'I’m Done With Football Ownership’: Abramovich Rules Out Buying Another Club

In a rare and candid interview featured in Nick Purewal’s upcoming book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich—former owner of Chelsea FC—announced that he has no intention of acquiring another football club. “As for ownership or a professional role at a club, I am done with that in this lifetime,” the Russian billionaire stated .

Abramovich, who ennobled Chelsea from obscurity in 2003 to a global powerhouse, said that despite his deep affection for the club and its fans, his focus has shifted toward supporting youth and academy initiatives rather than football management. He explained that while he may contribute to nurturing future talent, his era of club ownership has conclusively come to an end .

The interview also revealed Abramovich’s hopes for “a proper goodbye” to the supporters at Stamford Bridge, expressing regret that he never got the opportunity to attend a match since his sanctions and the sale in May 2022. He described the long-awaited chance to say farewell as one of his few remaining wishes tied to Chelsea .

He further dismissed speculation linking him to Russian political figures, asserting that his only agenda was making a positive impact. With no plans to return to the sport as an owner, Abramovich emphasized his renewed focus on philanthropy and youth development outside of the limelight.

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