Jeremiah Harrison
Sports Reporter
English Premier League side Chelsea Football Club is up for sale.
The club owner, Russian Billionaire, Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea FC on the market and is inviting bids from potential buyers as the Russia invasion of Ukraine backlash affects ownership of the club grows.
The Russian oligarch, bought the Blues back in 2003 and his financial clout has led the team to through the most successful spell in their history, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League twice.
But this association with one of England’s largest clubs has been scrutinised in the wake of being compatriot to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin invaded Ukraine last week citing security concerns to his country Russia.
Putin was angered by Ukraine’ s application to member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.
Previously Ukraine haf been part of the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) before it broke off in 1991 Ukraine became an autonomous country with its own President and governance.
United Kingdom (UK) government, through the Labour Member of Parliament, Chris Bryant threatened to seize Roman Abramovich’s assets and as a result the Russian tycoon has put a 4 billion pound tag on Chelsea FC.
Because of the backlash and uncertainty of the war in Russia, Abramovich has moved from the UK and he has been based in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the The Mirror, a UK tabloit, the Russian tycoon is asking for 4 billion pounds for his club.
The report adds that potential buyers have until the end of this week to make their best offers, while American bank the Raine Group has been appointed to handle the sale.
There are four parties who are believed in the running to wrest control of Chelsea FC, including Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
“Abramovich is one of Putin’s closest advisers and friend,” Wyss told Zurich-based newspaper Blick.
“Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic.”
Reports say Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea FC quickly.
“I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.” said Wyss.
The potential buyer Wyss added that Abramovich’s price for Chelsea is far too much.
Munetsi Reacts To FIFA Ban
France based Warriors International Marshall Munetsi has expressed concern on the FIFA ban imposed on Zimbabwe football.
Munetsi spoke on the effects of the ban concerning the transfer of players from one league to another.
“The ban on our national teams from international football and our local teams from international cup competitions is quite sad, football has since evolved into a sport thats more than just a sport, many livelihoods now depend on it, its a source of hope during tough times,” said Munetsi.
Munetsi plys his trade for Stade Reims in French Ligue 1. The midfielder has been linked with possible moves to Turkey and England but due to this ZIFA ban the transfer move has been rendered impossible.
FIFA ordered the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission to reinstate the ZIFA board led by Felton Kamambo, so that the ban will be lifted.
The government said that they are not going to reinstate the suspended ZIFA board until they finish what they term restructuring of local football by the end of the year.
FIFA dismissed the Sports and Recreation Commission’s charges against the Felton Kamambo led board saying they were allegations without concrete evidence.
Zim GBC News