The Albany Gazette - Abramovich denies calling in loan for Chelsea to be sold

The Russian billionaire put the Premier League club up for sale on March 2, insisting he would not call in the loan amassed during his 19-year reign in charge and that all proceeds from the sale of the club would go to victims of the war in Ukraine.

Abramovich was then sanctioned by the British government and the European Union for his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, forcing Chelsea to operate under a special licence.

That licence runs out on May 31, with fears over the future of the club if a sale does not take place before the end of the month.

The Times reported on Tuesday that Abramovich was claiming the sanctions prevented him from being able to write off that debt.

Other reports suggested Abramovich had asked the bidders to up their offers by an extra £500 million to support victims of the war.

"Mr Abramovich's intentions in relation to gifting the proceeds from the Chelsea sale to charity have not changed," a spokesperson for Abramovich said in a statement posted on the Chelsea website.

"Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him –- such suggestions are entirely false -– as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the club last minute.

"As part of Mr Abramovich's objective to find a good custodian for Chelsea FC, he has however encouraged each bidder throughout this process to commit investing in the club –- including in the Academy, women's team, necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation."

The statement added that the funds from the sale will be frozen and "subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities".

However, Abramovich's aim is for the money to go towards a newly created charitable foundation.

Chelsea are expected to go for a world record price for a sports club of around £2.5 billion.

American bank Raine has undertaken the process to sell the club with the bid fronted by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly receiving preferred bidder status.

Boehly has united with fellow Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US investment firm Clearlake Capital.

Earlier on Thursday, the Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) called for a quick and transparent sale to ensure the future of the club.

"It is essential that the sale of Chelsea is completed swiftly and transparently," the CST said in a statement.

"We urge the current ownership, Raine and the UK Government to ensure this happens.

"Any delay to this process could risk the future of Chelsea -- all parties must ensure the sustainability and future of the club is safeguarded."

Under the terms of their licence, Chelsea are currently unable to offer new contracts to existing players or sign players from other clubs.

(Y.Yildiz--BBZ)