Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has announced that he has handed stewardship of the club to trustees of its charitable foundation.
The Russian billionaire will no longer be involved in club matters on a day-to-day basis – and long term strategic decision-making powers will instead be handed over to the Chelsea Foundation.
The move comes in light of Russia’s widely condemned invasion of Ukraine, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, with whom 55-year-old Mr Abramovich has had close ties with in the past.
Decision taken ‘with club’s best interest at heart’
His announcement came the day before Chelsea play Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.Advertisement
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In a statement, the Russian billionaire 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.
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“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 Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has asked the club to provide “urgent clarification” about how the club will be run following Mr Abramovich’s announcement.
“The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is deeply saddened and shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent loss of life,” the trust said in a statement.
“The CST board are ready to work with the trustees of The Chelsea Foundation in order to ensure the long-term interest of the club and supporters.
Mr Abramovich, who has a net worth of more than $9.6bn according to the Forbes rich list, has been the owner of Chelsea since 2003 and overseen a period of unprecedented success at the west London club.
Since the takeover, a period of incredible transfer spending has helped Chelsea secure five Premier League titles, another five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League crowns, and two Europa League trophies.
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