Report: Abramovich could still be in charge at Chelsea at end of season, as sources send new takeover message Roman Abramovich might still claim ownership of Chelsea even after the campaign has concluded. According to The Athletic, selling the club the Russian put on the market last week could take several months to sort out. If supporters felt a week of rumours and conspiracies was bad enough, imagine what another half a season will feel like! Roman this, Roman that Since Abramovich announced he would be stepping away from Stamford Bridge last Wednesday, all anybody has wanted to discuss is his possible successor. Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly’s consortium remains the front runner in the race for the keys to the kingdom. But other players including Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak are said to also be interested in buying the rights to the Blues. We’ve even had Conor McGregor taking a left jab at the top spot. But if fans were expecting a swift deal, they must think again. Why will selling Chelsea take so long? For starters, Abramovich’s £3b (Athletic) asking price is seemingly causing some barriers between himself and a possible sale. Duncan Castle of the Transfer Podcast claimed recently that Chelsea had been valued well below the figure being demanded by the Russian ruler. “I spoke to someone who is involved in transactions and actually was involved in valuing Chelsea when Abramovich had placed in softly on the market after he had his UK visa taken back from several years ago,” he said. “His assessment was that Chelsea is probably worth £2b, given that you have a huge problem over the stadium.” Stamford Bridge was promised a renovation by Abramovich back in 2018, but he cancelled such plans after his investor UK visa was not revoked. Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich waves, as players celebrate their league title win at the end of the Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in London on May 21, 2017. Chelsea’s extended victory parade reached a climax with the trophy presentation on May 21, 2017 after being crowned Premier League champions with two games to go. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALL / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/ player publications. / (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Another problem that could be stalling the turnover of power in South West London is the sanctions hanging over Abramovich’s head. If the government does freeze the 55- year-old’s assets, he may not be able to accept any proposals from the intrigued parties. Therefore, this saga might cover the rest of the term. Set your alarms to snooze until May, Chelsea followers, it could be a long ride.