For the first time since his departure from Stamford Bridge, former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has finally opened up about the intricate circumstances surrounding the sale of the club he once owned. Abramovich, who had a major influence on the club's success for nearly two decades, has remained largely silent on the matter until now.

In the upcoming book titled *Sanctioned*, journalist Nick Purewal will delve into the details of this high-profile sale. Set to be released on May 29, 2025, *Sanctioned* offers rare insights into the tumultuous events leading up to the eventual £2.5 billion sale of Chelsea Football Club to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Abramovich’s reflections shed light on the significant decisions and challenges that accompanied this transition of ownership at one of the most famous football clubs in the world.

Abramovich’s Reflections on the Sale

In *Sanctioned*, Abramovich reflects on the monumental decision to sell Chelsea, a move that came after the UK government imposed sanctions on him in March 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions, which effectively froze his assets, made it impossible for Abramovich to continue to own the club. This unprecedented action by the UK government forced the billionaire to part ways with a club he had owned for nearly 19 years.

One of the most striking revelations in the book is Abramovich's explanation regarding the proceeds from the sale. Despite his clear intentions to donate the £2.3 billion raised from the sale to victims of the war in Ukraine, the funds have remained frozen in a UK bank amid ongoing legal disputes. Abramovich’s determination to use this money for humanitarian purposes stands in stark contrast to the legal battles that have impeded his plans.

Additionally, Abramovich opens up about his personal experiences during the early days of the war, where he was suspected of being poisoned while acting as a peace facilitator in the negotiations. This incident highlights the complex and often dangerous nature of the situation in which Abramovich found himself, attempting to navigate the geopolitical conflict while still holding significant influence as the owner of one of Europe's premier football clubs.

Chelsea’s Achievements Under Abramovich

Under Abramovich’s ownership, Chelsea underwent a transformation that saw the club rise to new heights in both domestic and European football. Over the course of his 19-year tenure, the club achieved remarkable success and became one of the most powerful footballing entities in the world. Among the club’s numerous accomplishments during this period were:

5 Premier League titles

2 UEFA Champions League titles

5 FA Cups

3 League Cups

2 UEFA Europa League titles

2 Community Shields

1 UEFA Super Cup

1 FIFA Club World Cup

This era of success was fueled by Abramovich’s willingness to invest heavily in top-tier talent, often breaking the bank for high-profile signings. His aggressive investment strategy, coupled with frequent managerial changes, played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s sustained success on the field. The club's reputation as one of the most successful and ambitious in the world was solidified during this period.

Transition to Boehly’s Ownership

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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Since the sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, the club has undergone a period of transition. The new ownership group has invested substantial amounts into player acquisitions, spending over £1 billion in an effort to build a new, competitive squad. Despite this significant financial outlay, Chelsea has faced challenges in replicating the sustained success that defined the Abramovich era. The club has struggled to regain its consistency and has yet to secure a major trophy under the new ownership.

Nonetheless, Chelsea remains a formidable force in English and European football, and the club is still very much in contention for European competition spots in the upcoming seasons. The ownership group has continued to focus on long-term planning, making significant structural changes within the club to ensure its future stability and success. Although the transition period has been difficult, the new owners remain committed to reviving Chelsea's fortunes on the global stage.

Comparative Timeline: Abramovich vs. Boehly Eras at Chelsea

Roman Abramovich (2003–2022) – Todd Boehly (2022–Present)  

Major Trophies Won: 21 – 0  

Premier League Titles: 5 – 0  

UEFA Champions League Titles: 2 – 0  

Total Managers Appointed: 15 – 4  

Total Transfer Spending: £2.1 billion – Over £1 billion

The comparative timeline clearly illustrates the remarkable success Chelsea enjoyed under Abramovich, both in terms of major trophies and managerial stability. In contrast, Boehly’s tenure is still in its early stages, with a major focus on player acquisitions and club restructuring as the new owners work toward bringing Chelsea back to its former glory.