Sports

EPL: Roman Abramovich Makes Demands From Chelsea’s New Owners

Published

3 years ago

May 5, 2022

Outgoing Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, has made demands from the club’s potential new owners.

Abramovich wants the potential new owners to commit investing in the club, both in the academy, women’s team and necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation.

The Russian also denied reports that he wants a £1.6billion loan to the club.

The Russian billionaire businessman made the denial in a statement published on the club’s Website regarding the club’s takeover process.

There were reports that the Blues owner, who is under the UK government’s sanction, had thrown the takeover process into jeopardy.

READ ALSO:

The reports carried by UK media said he did this by going back on his promise to write off the club’s debt to him.

However, in a statement by one of his spokesperson, Abramovich insisted that his plans for all proceeds of the sale to go to victims of the war in Ukraine have not changed.

The reports had also claimed that a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly had been picked as the preferred bidder.

And that Abramovich had caused a delay by increasing his £3.5bn asking price.

But the Russian oligarch said these rumours were ‘entirely false’ and insists he remains committed to finding responsible new owners for the west London club, despite ‘changing circumstances’ since his decision to sell.

The statement added, “Secondly, Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him – such suggestions are entirely false – as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the Club last minute.

“As part of Mr Abramovich’s objective to find a good custodian for Chelsea FC, he has however encouraged each bidder throughout this process to commit investing in the Club – including in the Academy, Women’s team, necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation.

“Following sanctions and other restrictions imposed on Mr Abramovich by the UK since announcing that the Club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals.

“That means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. These funds are still earmarked for the Foundation. The Government is aware of these restrictions as well as the legal implications.

“To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale…”

Related Topics:#EPL Chelsea Roman Abramovich

Up Next

EPL: Why We Lost 4-0 to Brighton – Rangnick

Don't Miss

Ballon d’Or: Thierry Henry Picks Two Players To Win Award This Year

Comments

Sports

Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Campaign With 3-0 Win Over Tunisia

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Nigeria began their pursuit of a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Tunisia in Casablanca.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a low, in-swinging free-kick from Rinsola Babajide. The former Barcelona star bundled the ball into the net during a scramble in the Tunisian penalty area.

Babajide, who switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023, doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime. The winger fired past Tunisia goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani in first-half stoppage time to register her first-ever goal at a senior international tournament.

Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win late in the match, finishing off a precise cross from Ashleigh Plumptre in the 84th minute.

The victory puts Nigeria at the top of Group B, ahead of the group’s other fixture between Algeria and Botswana later on Sunday (19:00 GMT).

Sports

Arsenal Sign Spain Midfielder Zubimendi

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.

Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.

He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

Sports

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Vs Tunisia – Date, Time And Where To Watch

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a Group A showdown against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Nigeria eyeing record 10th title against Tunisia

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, are aiming to extend their dominance in African women’s football with a 10th WAFCON title. Their last win came in 2018. Despite their pedigree, Nigeria has stumbled in recent tournament openers, losing their first games in the past two editions—making a strong start this time essential.

Strong preparations under Coach Madugu

Head coach Justine Madugu’s team arrives in Morocco in good form, with a 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens and a goalless draw against Portugal bolstering confidence. The squad also carries a positive mindset, with winger Rinsola Babajide expressing belief in their preparation and focus.

Adding to the excitement, key players Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade recently unveiled the newly designed WAFCON trophy, symbolizing the team’s hunger to reclaim continental glory.

Tunisia hoping to spring a surprise

Ranked 89th in the world, Tunisia enter the tournament as underdogs but are determined to prove themselves. Recent results, including friendly losses to Kenya (1-0) and Morocco (4-2), suggest inconsistency, but the North African side remains ambitious. They will be hoping to upset the Super Falcons and gain early momentum in a group that also features Algeria and Botswana.

Where to Watch

The Nigeria vs Tunisia match will be broadcast live on AfroSport and SuperSport via DSTV. The match kicks off at 5:00 pm Nigeria time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.