American billionaire Michael Rubin has distanced himself from speculation he could be interested in buying Chelsea, insisting he remains ‘100 per cent focussed’ on his current business ventures.
Roman Abramovich confirmed Chelsea were up for sale on Wednesday evening, just days after it was announced that the club’s ‘stewardship and care’ had been handed to its foundation trustees amid the threat of anti-Russian sanctions.
The statement came after Russian forces launched a full-scale military campaign on neighbouring Ukraine under the orders of president Vladimir Putin, who Abramovich was allegedly close with in the past.
The Blues have enjoyed unprecedented success since Abramovich’s ownership began in 2003, winning 21 pieces of silverware under 15 managers in that time, and a number of parties have been credited with an interest in taking over the reins at Stamford Bridge.
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Swiss philanthropist Hansjorg Wyss and LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly are said to be preparing a joint offer for the west London outfit, while Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak has confirmed his intention to launch a rival takeover bid.
Egyptian billionaire Loutfy Mansour, meanwhile, was quick to shut down talk that he could be the man to succeed Abramovich and Rubin – CEO of sportswear retailer Fanatics – followed suit in a brief statement on Saturday.
‘Micheal has no interest in buying Chelsea,’ a spokesperson for Rubin told The Telegraph.
‘He is 100 per cent focused on continuing to build the Fanatics business and is not interested in adding ownership stakes at this time.’
Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry led the tributes for Abramovich after the Russian-Israeli oligarch confirmed that his 19-year reign with the Blues was nearing its end.
However, a ferocious backlash followed for those mourning Abramovich’s impending exit, with Labour MP Chris Bryant calling on Terry to take down his ‘appalling’ tweet and Pat Nevin urging fans to ‘put away the violins’.
‘The first couple of statements Chelsea released were limp and that is being kind. This one is stronger and close to doing the right thing,’ former Chelsea and Scotland winger Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 live.
‘Chelsea fans will be concerned about the club going forward. The club will survive and let’s get this into perspective. It is a football club, it is only a game and there are bigger fish to fry right now.
‘Chelsea might be lucky and get a wealthy owner. Have a look at what has happened to Barcelona and Real Madrid, teams go through ups and down, Real fans understand that.
‘Put away the violins because the tears need to be about somewhere else in the world.’
Nevin added: ‘It would be good if the club was sold for a profit so it could help the Ukrainian people.
‘The club has been running on getting things back on an even keel for a few years because Roman Abramovich knew all along he wasn’t going to last forever.’
MORE : Chelsea fans chant Roman Abramovich’s name during minute’s applause for Ukraine
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