Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich: The UK government has frozen Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich by imposing sanctions on his assets. This means it may be difficult for him to sell his English soccer club, Chelsea.
A group of Americans ahead in the race
Meanwhile, the race is on to buy one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world and a group of American billionaires is leading the way.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has announced his intention to sell his English Premier League club Chelsea FC, shortly after Russia’s attack on Ukraine and in line with the UK government’s call to seize the assets of Russian billionaires.
Abramovich is seeking $3.9 billion
ESPN reported that Abramovich is seeking at least $3.9 billion for the club. Forbes recently valued Chelsea FC at $3.2 billion. Abramovich became the owner of Chelsea in 2003 by buying it from the parent company for $230 million.
Talking about people willing to buy it, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has expressed interest in it. He said, “I can buy it with partners. But I certainly wouldn’t do it alone.”
Have tried to buy a billionaire even in 2019
Vis, 86, is the founder of medical device manufacturer Synthes USA, which sold it to Johnson & Johnson in 2012.
His group includes Todd Boehly, along with Wiss and at least one other businessman. Bohli had attempted to buy Chelsea in 2019, but according to reports, Abramovich rejected his $2.9 billion offer.
Ricketts family can also bet
Bohli is the chair and CEO of private investment firm Eldridge Industries. In 2012, he was part of the group that bought the Los Angeles Dutchers for $3.5 billion. Boehli also has stakes in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Sky News reported that the Ricketts family, led by Thomas Ricketts, is exploring the possibility of buying Chelsea, but has not yet filed a bid.
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