Owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, has handed over stewardship of the club following international condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian billionaire who has historical ties to Vladimir Putin made the announcement in a statement published on the club’s website.
The full statement reads as follows:
‘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.’
Abramovich bought the club in 2003 and under his stewardship Chelsea has won five Premier League trophies, three League cups, five FA Cups, two Champions League trophies and two Europa League trophies.
Chelsea’s coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that in light of the conflict in Ukraine there are ‘so many uncertainties around the situation of our club’.
Last week, Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons that Abramovich should have his assets seized, however, there has been no word from the UK government on whether Abramovich would be subject to UK sanctions.
On Monday, Abramovich’s spokesperson announced that he had been contacted by the Ukrainians asking for his support in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and that ‘he (Abramovich) has been trying to help ever since’.