Swiss billionaire, Hansjorg Wyss has revealed that he’s been offered the chance to buy Chelsea.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last weem, Chelsea billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has come under increasing pressure over the past week, as Britain, the US and allies target Russian assets, government officials and companies home and abroad with sanctions.
Chelsea has already released a statement saying that trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation would take the “stewardship” of the club from him indefinitely, but Wyss now says he is part of a group that has been offered the chance to buy the club from the Russian businessman who has close links with Russian businessman.
Wyss, 86, has a reported net worth of over $5 billion and has been named one of “the most philanthropic people in the world” by Forbes. He says he is considering buying the club but he won’t to it alone. He said he would like the purchase of the reigning European champions, but only as part of a consortium with “six to seven” investors.
Abramovich is one of Putin’s closest advisers and friends,” Wyss told Blick. “Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic. Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
“I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.
“As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price. I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I’m definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”
