Roman Abramovich has confirmed he is selling Chelsea amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Many have called for the billionaire to part company with the Blues since Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine last Thursday.
Among those to have questioned Abramovich's ownership of the Premier League outfit include Labour MP Chris Bryant and EU president Roberta Metsola.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, meanwhile, has called for the Russian oligarch to be sanctioned.
Here, Mirror Football analyses Abramovich's 278-word statement - released on Wednesday evening - and what it reveals about his 19-year ownership of Chelsea.
When do you think Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea will be completed? Let us know in the comments below!
No intent of claiming loan
"I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid," confirmed Abramovich in his statement, which will put a lot of Chelsea fans at ease.
He is believed to have loaned the Blues £1.5billion since his takeover in 2003, helping establish them as of the most successful clubs in European football.
A repayment could have plunged Chelsea into serious financial trouble.
Abramovich's move will also make it easier for a prospective owner to buy the club, as they would've been saddled with the huge debt.
Charitable foundation
Abramovich has confirmed the "net proceeds" of his sale will be donated to a charitable foundation to help the victims of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated," confirmed the billionaire.
"The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.
"This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery."
It's difficult to assess how much the "net proceeds" will amount to in real terms.
Abramovich bought the Blues for £140million in 2003 and, seeing as he's reportedly wanting at least £3bn from a prospective buyer, he should make a huge profit from the sale.
Even after the billionaire recuperates the money he's invested in Chelsea, there could be in excess of a £1bn available for the charitable foundation.
This is all speculation at this stage, of course. It's difficult to predict how the ongoing crisis will unfold and know Abramovich's true motive for selling the club.
Stamford Bridge visit
Abramovich has promised to visit Stamford Bridge again to "say goodbye to all of you in person".
He hasn't been a regular visitor to the west London ground since 2018, although he has attended some of Chelsea's oversees games - such as the recent Club World Cup final.
Abramovich's visit is unlikely to happen while the conflict rages in Ukraine and suggests he does plan on attending future games following a de-escalation.
Loves Chelsea
Abramovich's reluctance to sell Chelsea was evident in his statement.
With a reported net worth of £9.8bn, he certainly doesn't need the money and wouldn't be sanctioning a sale if it wasn't for Putin's decision to invade Ukraine.
Chelsea have achieved phenomenal success since Abramovich purchased the club in 2003, winning five Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and a host of other trophies.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say his on-field expectations couldn't have gone any better.
Following their Club World Cup triumph last month, the Blues have now won every major trophy they've competed for during their 117-year history.
"Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the club in this manner," said Abramovich.
"However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the club... it has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements.
"Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart."
Refuses to take stance
There was a glaring omission from Abramovich's statement - the word " Russia ".
The ongoing conflict was described as the "war in Ukraine" and not an invasion.
Abramovich's reluctance to publicly criticise the Putin regime or take a stance was evident, choosing instead to deal with the aftermath through his new charity.
No fast-track
Abramovich has confirmed "the sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process" - another reassuring promise for Chelsea fans.
Rumours suggested he wanted all prospective buyers to submit their offer to buy Chelsea by mid-March and was hoping to complete a deal by May.
There's still a good chance a quick-fire sale could happen, but this now seems unlikely.
Not putting a time frame on the sale also gives Abramovich the opportunity to change his mind, should a ceasefire be called in the next few days and weeks.
Mike Ashley put Newcastle up for sale in October 2017 and it took four years for a Saudi-backed consortium to complete a takeover.
A similar wait could also unfold. According to a Forbes calculation in April 2021, the club is worth $3.2bn - around £2.4bn - much less than the asking price.
The Abramovich era at Chelsea appears to be drawing towards a conclusion following his statement, yet it's impossible to predict an actual end date.
