The family of AS Monaco majority shareholder Dmitry Rybolovlev has confirmed that the Russian billionaire is looking at “strategic alternatives” for the club.

Following reports by French newspaper Les Echoes on Sunday that Dmitry Rybolovlev is open to selling the club, a statement was released on Monday confirming that the Monaco-resident – one of the few Russian tycoons who is not under sanctions as he left the country decades ago – has hired an advisory firm to study the possibility of a sale of his controlling stake in AS Monaco football club amid interest from potential buyers.

The statement, obtained by Monaco Life from colleagues at Get French Football News, says “The majority shareholder of AS Monaco has decided to commence a process to explore strategic alternatives for its stake in the Club after receiving unsolicited inbound interest.  The majority shareholder has retained The Raine Group to serve as its exclusive financial advisor on this matter. Raine has significant experience working with the world’s biggest football clubs on a range of assignments.”

The statement continues: “There can be no assurances that the strategic review will result in any transaction involving the Club and we do not intend to make any further announcements regarding the strategic review at this time.”

Rybolovlev acquired a 66% share in second-tier AS Monaco in 2011 and pledged to invest at least €100 million. Under his ownership, the Monegasque club rose to win a Ligue 1 title in 2016/17 and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final that same period.

He also financed the club’s new training centre in La Turbie to the tune of €55 million.

Rybolovlev reportedly received at least two takeover proposals last year, possibly American.

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