Roman Abramovich has handed over the “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to the trustees of the club’s charitable foundation, effectively giving all decision-making powers to the six figures on its board including chairman Bruce Buck and women’s head coach Emma Hayes plus head of World Athletics Seb Coe.
In a statement released on the club website shortly before 7pm on Saturday night, the 55-year-old said: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.
“I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.”
The statement comes three days into Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking under parliamentary privilege earlier this week, the Labour MPs Dame Margaret Hodge and Chris Bryant called for Abramovich to be among the Russian businessmen to face sanctions that, according to the Government, “is aimed at encouraging Russia to cease actions destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.”
Abramovich has always denied any direct link to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Fresh sanctions are expected to be announced by prime minister Boris Johnson next week.
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https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/breaking-roman-abramovich-chelsea-russia-23229317
