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I am selling Chelsea, Proceeds Will Go To Victims Of War In Ukraine – Abramovich

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4 years ago

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Roman Abramovich has confirmed he is selling Chelsea Football Club. The Russian billionaire released a statement on the club’s official website saying that the decision was taken with the best interests of the club at heart.

The statement also added that he “would not ask for any loans to be repaid” and proceeds will go to the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Abramovich’s ownership has come under scrutiny following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old handed the “stewardship” of Chelsea to the club’s charitably foundation trustees last week.

Abramovich now wants to sell the Stamford Bridge side, with Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claiming he has been offered the chance to buy the club.

“This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club,” Abramovich said in a statement today.

“I would like to address the speculation in the media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC,” began the statement.

“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.

The statement also added that Abramovich would not ask for any loans to be repaid – in effect writing off £1.5 billion in debt – and that net proceeds of any sale would be donated to a charitable foundation that would be used to benefit “all victims of the war in Ukraine”.

“The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.

“Moreover, 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.

“Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.

“I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.”

‘You have to stop’ pleads Tuchel after persistent Abramovich questions
Abramovich assisting with Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says spokesperson

It was reported on Tuesday night that Abramovich had offered Chelsea to potential buyers, with Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss telling Blick that “like all other oligarchs, he is in a panic”.

LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, who reportedly tried to buy Chelsea in 2019, is a contender, according to the New York Post.

UFC star Conor McGregor has also seemingly thrown his hat into the ring by tweeting: “I wish to explore this. @ChelseaFC”

The statement from Abramovich said that the sale would not be fast-tracked but would follow due process.

 

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Full List Of Nominees For CAF Awards 2025 Unveiled

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3 months ago

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October 17, 2025

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the complete list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, set to take place later this year.

 

The CAF aawards celebrates outstanding performances and achievements across African football, recognising excellence among players, coaches, clubs, and national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.

 

This year’s shortlist features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents who have made remarkable contributions to African football over the past season.

 

Nigerian players such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Esther Okoronkwo headline the women’s nominations, while Nigerian clubs and coaches also appear in various categories — reflecting the country’s continued influence in African football.

 

Below is the full list of nominees in the women’s categories for the CAF Awards 2025:

 

CAF Awards: Women’s Player of the Year

  • Portia Boakye
  • Tabitha Chawinga
  • Temwa Chawinga
  • Ghizlane Chebbak
  • Mama Diop
  • Rasheedat Ajibade
  • Esther Okoronkwo
  • Sanaa Mssoudy
  • Barba Banda
  • Racheal Kundananji

Women’s Club of the Year

  • Gaborone United
  • ASEC Mimosas
  • TP Mazembe
  • USFAS Bamako
  • ASFAR
  • DE Agosto
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Bayelsa Queens FC
  • Aigles De La Medina
  • JKT Queens

Women’s National Team of the Year

  • Cameroon U17
  • Ghana
  • Ivory Coast U17
  • Mali
  • Morocco
  • Nigeria U17
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia U17

Women’s Young Player of the Year

  • Habiba Essam
  • Habiba Sabry
  • Stella Nyamekye
  • Doha El Madani
  • Winfrida Gerald
  • Ester Maseke Marwa
  • Adji Ndiaye
  • Shakirat Moshood
  • Mercy Chipasula
  • Ruth Mukoma

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

  • Chloe N’Gazi
  • Sedilame Boseja
  • Fideline Ngoy
  • Habiba Emad
  • Chiamaka Nnadozie
  • Khadija Er-Rmichi
  • Fatoumata Karentao
  • Cynthia Konlan
  • Adji Ndiaye
  • Andile Dlamini

Coach of the Year (Women)

  • Adelaide Koudougnon
  • Siaka Gigi Traore
  • Lamia Boumehdi
  • Genoveva Anonman
  • Justine Madugu
  • Bankole Olowookere
  • Jorge Vilda
  • Kim Bjorkegren
  • Desiree Ellis
  • Carol Kanyemba
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Nigerian-Born Benin Republic Footballer, Razak Omotoyossi Dies At 39

Published

5 months ago

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August 19, 2025

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Nigerian-born Beninese international Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.

 

His death was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF.

 

In a post on X (Formerly Twitter), the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning.

 

“We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

 

Omotoyossi, who switched nationality to represent Benin after starting his career in the Nigerian league, became one of the country’s most celebrated footballers.

 

He scored 21 goals in 55 international appearances, placing him among Benin’s all-time top scorers.

 

He is fondly remembered for his performance during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o.

 

He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

 

At club level, Omotoyossi had a career spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

 

He particularly excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving to French side FC Metz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Super Falcons Arrive Abuja After WAFCON Victory, Set For Trophy Parade

Published

6 months ago

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July 28, 2025

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have arrived Abuja following their successful outing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, JomogNews reports.

Players and officials of the team arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday afternoon.

They will hold a trophy parade along popular districts in the Federal Capital Territory.

The contingent is expected to move through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama and Wuse Market.

The Super Falcons will be hosted by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa later in the day.

Nigeria won a record-extending 10th WAFCON title on Saturday night following a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.

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