Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has suggested that it is realistic for Chelsea to be sold within 10 days.
On Wednesday evening, Roman Abramovich confirmed that he was ending his 19-year reign at Stamford Bridge, a direct consequence of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
While a number of candidates have emerged, it was expected that it would take weeks, potentially months, for Abramovich's exit from English football to be confirmed.
However, Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London that he does not rule out business between the relevant parties being completed by the middle of March.
Masters said: "I think the quickest one we have ever done is 10 days but that's not to say that record cannot be beaten.
"Normally it will take a number of weeks but that will depend on the complexity of the deal really and the number of potential owners. Provided that the information is easily digestible, easily understandable and gives us the right answers, it can be done relatively quickly.
"It is the right decision, the situation has escalated incredibly quickly over the last seven days and he has come to the right conclusion that it is unsustainable in the current environment,' he added.
"It is a welcome decision and obviously for the sake of everyone, including the fans, the sooner the selling process concludes and completes, the sooner everyone will have certainty."
Chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia are also expected to depart Chelsea when a sale is finalised.
Darren Plant
