Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who said he would sell Chelsea football club and be donated to victims in Ukraine.

The surprise announcement came from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who said he would sell Chelsea football club. Interestingly, the net proceeds from the sale will reportedly be donated to victims in Ukraine.

"It's not about business or money for me, but about a pure passion for the game and the Club," said Roman Abramovich.

Based on Forbes data on March 2, 2022, Abramovich's net worth is US$12.4 billion, or around Rp. 117 trillion, while Chelsea is estimated to be worth US$3.2 billion or Rp. 45 trillion in 2021.

The 55-year-old, once Russia's richest man, said he would set up a foundation where the net proceeds from the sale would be donated to victims in Ukraine.

"The foundation will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine," he said. This includes providing essential funds for the immediate and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting long-term recovery work," he said.

He also said he would not ask for his loan to be repaid, referring to a $2 billion loan that was reportedly lent to the club. The announcement comes after Abramovich announced on 27 February that he was giving direct control of the club to the trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation. It was one day after Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the EFL Cup.

Meanwhile, on March 2, the leader of the British Labor Party, Keir Starmer asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sentence Abramovich for allegedly having ties to the Russian state over corrupt practices. But Abramovich has denied any relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even making defamation claims because he bought the club in 2003 on the instructions of the president.

He also said that it was actually very difficult to part with his club. But Abramovich insisted that the sale was in the best interests of the team.

"Please know that this was a very difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part ways with the Club in this way," said Roman Abramovich.