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Football London
Football London
Sport
Bobby Vincent

Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley makes Chelsea admission amid Roman Abramovich sale

Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has revealed there was an opportunity to purchase Chelsea Football Club in the past.

With the news that Roman Abramovich has put the west London club up for sale, Staveley was asked about the ongoing situation and she opened up on the opportunity to take over the Blues in the past, but ended up on Tyneside.

Staveley said at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit: "We had the opportunity to look at Chelsea - a wonderful club - but there was only ever one club for us, Newcastle."

Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chelsea are now looking for a new owner, with the Russian businessman asking for £3billion.

The Russian is owed £1.5billion by Chelsea but he will not be asking for the money back.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Abramovich said: "I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.

"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart.

"In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club's sponsors and partners.

Roman Abramovich is looking for a new buyer of Chelsea Football Club (Photo by Marc Atkins/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)

"The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club.

"Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. 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.

"Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the club.

"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. 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."

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