Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss reportedly approached to buy Chelsea
Follow all the action as Luton host Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round this evening. It comes as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club, news that was released one hour before kick-off at Kenilworth Road. In a statement, Abramovich said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea. 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.”
In Abramovich’s statement, the Russian billionaire said he will not “be asking for any loans to be repaid”, adding the sale of the club will not be “fast-tracked”. He added: “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.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claimed he has been offered the chance to buy Chelsea while an American-based merchant bank has reportedly contacted potential buyers.
It throws Chelsea further under a cloud of uncertainty ahead of tonight’s FA Cup match. Yesterday, Thomas Tuchel urged reporters to stop asking him questions about the invasion of Ukraine and Abramovich’s plans at a press conference ahead of tonight’s tie, but the manager will be asked about the developments again this evening. Follow live coverage of Luton vs Chelsea, plus reaction to tonight’s breaking news, below:
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
54 mins: Decent chance for Werner as Saul drifts forward, but he rather allowed the pass to get away from him and he was crowded out. From the corner, Loftus-Cheek heads wide.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:34
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
52 mins: Hudson-Odoi tries to take on Bell on the right wing – Chelsea need more from him as well – his cross is clear behind and from it, Saul’s flick-on at the front post drifts over the bar.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:33
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
51 mins: Rudiger’s ball forward evades everyone as the TV cameras cut to Christian Pulisic and Mateo Kovacic warming up on the touchline.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:31
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
48 mins: Chelsea are ramping up the pressure at the start of this second half and are starting to pass the ball around with better tempo and intensity. Saul tries his luck from range put it goes straight down Isted’s throat.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:29
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
47 mins: Luton get an early set-piece opportunity but Berry’s free-kick is overhit and runs through. Those situations caused Chelsea some problems in the first half.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:27
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
Back underway at Luton – can they hang on to their lead and secure a huge FA Cup shock? Imagine if the Championship side knocked out the European champions.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:25
HALF-TIME: Luton 2-1 Chelsea
It’s a great cup tie. Unfortunately though, it hasn’t been a great night for Malang Sarr. The Chelsea defender was beaten by Burke to the header on the opening goal before he tried to play offside and let Cornick run through on goal.
Saul and Mount have been bright for Chelsea. Lukaku and Werner are not offering enough.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:11
HALF-TIME: Luton 2-1 Chelsea
An FA Cup shock is brewing.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:08
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
45+3 mins: Luton fans get frustrated after a couple of decisions don’t go their way around midfield – but Chelsea are yet to respond to falling behind.
Jamie Braidwood2 March 2022 20:07