Blues refute Abramovich claims

Chelsea insist owner did not collapse during mountain expedition

Last updated: 13th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blues refute Abramovich claims

Abramovich: African trip

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Chelsea have strenuously denied that owner Roman Abramovich collapsed on a recent trip to Mount Kilamanjaro.

The Russian billionaire was in Tanzania last week as he looked to conquer the highest peak in Africa.

It was claimed that he experienced breathing problems during a failed attempt to ascend the mountain.

Chelsea, however, insist Abramovich did not require medical attention, while they have also refuted claims that former manager Guus Hiddink was part of the expedition.

A spokesman for the Blues said: "Roman Abramovich did not collapse, develop respiratory problems, altitude sickness or require medical attention during his recent trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.

No incident

"The expedition was properly prepared and those in the group who wanted to reach the summit did so without incident.

"Furthermore, despite claims to the contrary, Guus Hiddink was not a member of the expedition, as he was in Britain leading the Russian national football team to victory over Wales."

Chelsea were responding to claims insinuating that Abramovich and his party suffered difficulties after failing to fully prepare for the trip.

It was said that they did not spend long enough acclimatising to the climate and low air pressure they would experience.

It was, therefore, suggested that the Stamford Bridge supremo had been forced to cancel the expedition at 15,100ft after suffering symptoms of altitude sickness.