Foundation chief Mike Penrose: Chelsea sale ‘game-changing’ for humanitarian aid

Former UNICEF UK executive director Mike Penrose believes a foundation set up with the £2.5billion proceeds from Chelsea’s sale could “change the face of humanitarian aid”.

Penrose has been tasked with forming the new independent foundation to which owner Roman Abramovich wants to donate all proceeds from the Blues’ sale.

Former Soccer Aid and Save The Children humanitarian chief Penrose has submitted a “scoping document” to the UK Government, outlining plans for “the world’s biggest humanitarian or conflict-affected charity”.

The UK Government is understood to continue to hold reservations on Abramovich’s aims to set up the independent foundation, that would first benefit victims of the war in Ukraine.

But Abramovich remains unfazed by the latest Government issues, with a source close to the Chelsea owner telling the PA news agency: “We are not concerned about the situation, and are still confident in the sale.

“There has never been any intention for Roman Abramovich to benefit from these funds.”

Penrose insisted he has never had direct contact with Abramovich, and revealed legal undertakings to ensure neither Chelsea nor the Blues’ current owner could ever benefit from the funds intended for the foundation.

US magnate Todd Boehly has struck a £4.25billion deal to buy the London club, but the sale must be complete by May 31 when Chelsea’s temporary Government trading licence expires.

“The only thing between this becoming a reality and now, is politics,” Penrose told PA.

“I have absolutely no interest in the politics of the sale. I have no interest in the politics of the Government. If politics gets in the way, then that is to me almost criminal, it really is.

“I’ve written into the document that’s gone to the Government