The sale of Chelsea may proceed after a deal was struck between owner Roman Abramovich and government officials, the UK Telegraph reports.
The 55-year-old was added to the UK government’s sanctioned individuals list on Thursday.
Abramovich had announced he was ready to end his 19-year tenure at Stamford Bridge at the start of March amid calls for Russian oligarchs to living abroad to face repercussions in the wake of Vladimir Putin ‘s invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctions imposed on Abramovich left the Blues doubting whether they would be able to finish the season even though they were issued with a sporting license to continue football-related activities.
It is understood Abramovich has instructed The Raine Group – the merchant bank overseeing the sale – to continue the process of finding a buyer and completing a takeover.
The report adds Chelsea and Raine officials have held talks with the government to agree the use of funds raised by the sale, as well as the buyer themselves, will require authorisation from on high.
A deadline of next Tuesday has been set for first bids to be submitted as Abramovich hopes for a swift sale.
