The Portuguese authorities gave the go-ahead to billionaire Roman Abramovich to sell the Chelsea football club. This became possible after receiving guarantees from the UK that the proceeds from the deal would be used for humanitarian purposes.

The main condition is that the money does not bring direct or indirect benefits to Abramovich. This decision was agreed by Portugal with the European Commission. The UK government and the English Premier League football club have approved the sale of the club.

The businessman announced the decision to sell Chelsea in early March, even before the introduction of sanctions against him related to a special military operation.

“It was not for business or money for me, just pure passion for the game and the club. I want to note that it is incredibly difficult for me to make this decision, and such a separation from the club hurts me, ”the billionaire shared his emotions then.

The buyer was found in early May. They became a group of investors led by American billionaire Todd Boely, who is ready to buy the club for 4.25 billion pounds (about $5.3 billion). According to media reports, Abramovich even hired a consulting company from the United States, Raine Group, to find a new owner for the club. It is assumed that a charitable foundation will be created to carry out the transaction, into which “all net proceeds from the sale” of the club will be directed.

Earlier, the Sovershenno Sekretno newspaper wrote that Abramovich, who fell under the sanctions, would be able to sell Chelsea, but would not receive a profit.