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Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed oligarch Roman Abramovich to kick start the biggest sports team sale in history. Here's how it all unfolded.

Barnaby LaneMay 9, 2022, 22:31 IST

Roman Abramovich, Todd Boehly.Getty/Paul Gilham; Getty/Patrick Fallon

Oligarch-owned Chelsea is on the brink of being sold in the largest deal for a sports team in history.
Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

Chelsea was put up for sale in March by owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.Getty/Peter Macdiarmid

But the Russian was then slapped with sanctions.

Abramovich.Clive Mason/Getty Images

The sanctions threw doubt over the sale, however, the government granted a special license for it to still go ahead.

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea.Getty/Shaun Botterill

Several Americans were quick to declare their interest in buying the club.

Nick Candy.Carl Court/Getty Images

The Ricketts family then pulled out.

Britain's richest man launched a late bid.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

But it was Boehly's bid that eventually won.

Todd Boehly is the CEO of Eldridge.Getty/Patrick Fallon

And the American was on hand to watch the Blues at the weekend.

Boehly was at the Bridge on Saturday.Getty/Eddie Keogh

It would cost at least $2,300 for a family of four to attend the Miami Grand Prix F1 race