Roman Abramovich Interview Set to Rock Football World as Chelsea Sale Secrets Revealed

Long-awaited Roman Abramovich interview finally breaks silence on Chelsea sale to Boehly-Clearlake consortium

It’s been nearly two years since Roman Abramovich handed over the keys to Chelsea Football Club, ending a near two-decade reign that brought unprecedented success to Stamford Bridge. Yet despite the drama surrounding the £2.5 billion sale to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the former Chelsea owner has remained a silent figure in the background—until now.

In what promises to be one of the most revealing off-pitch football stories in recent memory, Abramovich is set to lift the lid on the 2022 Chelsea sale in a new two-part interview that will feature in the upcoming book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC. According to BBC Sport, the interviews were conducted in two phases—first in Istanbul last year, and then again in Abu Dhabi this January. For the first time, the Russian oligarch is expected to share his side of a story that shook European football to its core.

The silence that followed the storm

Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003, forever changing the landscape of English football. Lavish spending, a rotating carousel of top-tier managers, and a ruthless pursuit of silverware quickly turned the Blues into a European powerhouse. Five Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and countless nights of continental glory cemented his legacy—though it was one that came under increasing scrutiny in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In early 2022, the UK government sanctioned Abramovich for his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The political pressure ultimately forced his hand, resulting in the expedited sale of Chelsea to Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Since then, Abramovich has disappeared from public view, refraining from statements or media appearances.

But that silence is now over.

Roman Abramovich interview: What to expect?

Roman Abramovich interview

While the full details of the Roman Abramovich interview remain under wraps until the book’s official release this summer, it’s expected to offer an unfiltered look at the events leading up to the sale, the political and financial hurdles involved, and Abramovich’s feelings about parting ways with the club he transformed.

What’s already known is that Abramovich did not personally profit from the £2.5 billion sale. The funds remain frozen in a UK bank account, subject to legal and governmental review. The stated intention has always been to direct the money toward humanitarian causes in Ukraine, though the disbursement of those funds has stalled.

Many Chelsea fans, and indeed football followers more broadly, will be keen to hear Abramovich’s perspective—not only on the sanctions that forced him out, but on the broader implications for football club ownership in an increasingly politicised world.

The Boehly era: A rocky transition

Since the sale, Chelsea have struggled to find their footing. The Boehly-Clearlake era began with ambition and spending that rivalled even Abramovich’s most aggressive transfer windows. But the results have been inconsistent at best. Managerial changes, a bloated squad, and underwhelming league form have left fans frustrated and nostalgic for the stability of the Abramovich years—ironically, a tenure that once felt turbulent due to its trigger-happy approach to coaches.

The American consortium has shown a willingness to invest in youth and infrastructure, but without Champions League football or a clear sense of direction, the project has yet to win over a fanbase accustomed to competing for major honours.

A legacy revisited

The Roman Abramovich interview will no doubt reignite discussions about his complex legacy. To some, he is a visionary owner who brought Chelsea to the pinnacle of world football. To others, his association with the Kremlin and his arrival amid the early waves of state-linked ownership in football cast a long ethical shadow.

Either way, his role in reshaping Chelsea—and indeed, the broader Premier League landscape—is undeniable. His model of investment paved the way for clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle to rise under foreign ownership with vast resources. In many ways, the sport is still reckoning with the consequences.

Chelsea sale: What we still don’t know

Much of the Chelsea sale process was conducted under a cloud of political tension, with multiple buyers vying for control amid shifting regulatory requirements. The UK government played an unprecedented role in overseeing the transaction, which included clauses ensuring that Abramovich would not benefit directly.

Yet the fine print remains murky, and speculation continues about the true motivations behind the sale structure, the selection of Boehly-Clearlake as the preferred bidders, and the fate of the billions tied up in the transaction.

This is where Sanctioned and the Roman Abramovich interview could provide valuable insight—especially for supporters eager to understand the final chapter of a story that redefined their club.

Looking ahead: What’s next for Chelsea?

While the book’s release looms large, Chelsea must turn their focus to matters on the pitch. Enzo Maresca’s side are still within reach of a European place and face a crucial test this weekend as they host Everton at Stamford Bridge. With the Champions League spots still mathematically possible, every point counts.

Whether Abramovich’s revelations will galvanise or further destabilise the club remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt the timing adds another layer of intrigue to an already turbulent season.

Final whistle thoughts

Roman Abramovich’s interview will not only mark the end of his long silence—it may also reshape how his era is remembered. In lifting the veil on the Chelsea sale, the Russian billionaire is opening a new chapter in a story that still stirs strong emotions among fans and critics alike.

As the world waits for the book’s summer release, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a story about football. It’s a tale of politics, power, legacy, and the complicated web of ownership that defines the modern game.

And whether you’re blue through and through or just fascinated by football’s off-field dramas, the Roman Abramovich interview promises to be one of the most talked-about moments of the year.