London  - Roman Abramovich is to sue the Sunday Times over their claim that he wants to sell Chelsea Football Club, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The front-page article, published last Sunday, alleged the Chelsea boss had "taken soundings" about selling the Premiership club to Gulf Arabs, including members of the Saudi royal family.

Chelsea denied the claim and announced on their website that they are to sue for libel.

Solicitor Gerrard Tyrell of the law firm Harbottle & Lewis filed the claim at the Queen's Bench division of the high court on Monday. (dpa)