It’s been well chronicled how Chelsea FC Owner Roman Abramovich is having serious issues trying to renew his UK Visa, and thus some uncertainty currently surrounds the club. The Russian oligarch and Vladimir Putin ally has recently gained Israeli citizenship, under the nation’s Law of Return, and it is thought that this process is related to the UK working VISA problems.
Abramovich’s problems are complicated by the currently escalating political tensions between his native land (Russia) and the nation where his football club that he’s owned for the past 15 years is located.
Reportedly, Chelsea Football Club are not worried about Abramovich and his passport issues, but rumors that he could sell the team have still nonetheless emerged. According to reports, he’s rejected a couple offers already, including one from Jim Ratcliffe, Great Britain’s richest man.
Here’s the scoop on the Manchester United fan and Chelsea season ticket holder with a net worth of £20.05 billion via the Daily Mail:
Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire boss of multinational petrochemicals giant Ineos and a season-ticket holder at Stamford Bridge, expressed an interest in buying the club amid speculation the Russian oligarch could be prepared to sell.
But Ratcliffe’s advances, Sportsmail understands, were swiftly repelled, with Abramovich making it clear he has no intention of cutting ties with Chelsea despite his recent decision to shelve his new stadium plans in response to visa problems with the Home Office.
The move to shelve plans on the Stamford Bridge overhaul and upgrade has of course helped to fuel speculation that Abramovich wants to part with the club. Apparently the delay of the project is just a response to his investor visa issues and uncertainty.
Ratcliffe is the founder and chairman of multinational petrochemicals giant Ineos. He is also the owner of Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, who were unfortunately relegated last month from Switzerland’s first tier of football. Ratcliffe, who reportedly has a net worth of more than double Abramovich, purchased the club at the end of last season.
Chelsea FC have not publicly commented on any potential sales beyond stating that Abramovich remains committed to the club.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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