For the first time since his dramatic departure from Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich is breaking his silence — and it’s all happening in a highly anticipated new book set for release this summer.
Titled “Sanctioned”, the book is penned by journalist Nick Purewal and promises to offer a rare and revealing look into Abramovich’s two-decade reign as Chelsea’s owner, as well as the seismic £2.5 billion sale of the club to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Published by Biteback Publishing, Sanctioned features exclusive interviews with Abramovich himself — a striking development, given the Russian billionaire has remained almost completely silent since selling the club in 2022. In fact, this marks his first on-the-record interview since 2006.
The book draws on over 50 interviews with key players involved in the deal, offering unprecedented access to the events and negotiations behind one of the most significant ownership changes in Premier League history.
Abramovich, now 58, was forced to part ways with Chelsea after being sanctioned by the UK government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions left him with no choice but to step back from the club he had transformed into a European powerhouse.
Under his ownership from 2002 to 2022, Chelsea enjoyed a golden era of success — lifting two UEFA Champions League trophies, five Premier League titles, and a host of other major honours. His tenure redefined the club’s identity and stature on the global stage.
Since the takeover by Boehly and Clearlake, Chelsea have faced their share of challenges. However, signs of revival have begun to emerge this season, with the team showing promise and pushing for a return to Champions League competition.
With Abramovich finally opening up, Sanctioned is set to become essential reading for Chelsea fans and football lovers alike — a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of club ownership, power, politics, and legacy.
