What Roman Abramovich has said about Chelsea return amid FA charges bombshell

Roman Abramovich left Chelsea in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has already expressed his wish to return to the club despite their FA charge bombshell . The Russia oligarch owned the Blues between 2003 and 2022, enjoying a hugely successful spell at Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich oversaw five Premier League successes, five FA Cup wins, three League Cup victories and also helped the club secure two Champions League crowns. Despite that, his time with Chelsea is currently at the heart of scrutiny.

The FA have recently confirmed the West London side have been charged with 74 alleged breaches of football agents regulations, rules on working with intermediaries, and also regulations of third party investment in players.

The charges relate to transactions between “2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010/11 to 2015/16 playing seasons” - a time period that Abramovich had full control of the club.

And while he has not actively commented on the charges, Abramovich has already underlined his desire to return to Chelsea for a final farewell. Speaking in ‘Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC’ book, he said : “Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that.”

Meanwhile, Abramovich also confirmed that he has no interest in working in football following his time with Chelsea. He added: “I don't have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.

Chelsea were hit with 74 FA charges this week (Image: Getty Images)

“There might be something where I could help with academies and youngsters, giving greater opportunities to people from difficult backgrounds, if there were an initiative that could make a difference. But as for ownership or a professional role at a club, I am done with that in this lifetime.”

Abramovich was eventually forced to pull out of Chelsea after being sanctioned by the UK Government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Todd Boehly and the Clearlake consortium then sealed a £4.25bn takeover.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes the circumstances of the sale still irritate Abramovich. He said: “It’s just unfortunate what happened: he lost the football club.

“I still speak to people close to him and it still pains him. He’s still angry about what happened.

“He’s not happy that he lost his ‘baby’ because Chelsea Football Club was his football club. He really cared about the football club, not just the players but the fans.”

Chelsea have released their own statement on the recent FA charges. They have until September 19 to respond.