Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich on the club’s website has announced he was “giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.”
The Russian invasion of Ukraine – under the orders Vladimir Putin, has put Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea under sudden scrutiny, but this is still almost totally unexpected. Labour MPs had begun questioning Russian ownership of clubs in the UK, but it didn’t yet feel like it had the weight to threaten the man who has been in serene command at Chelsea for almost 20 years.
“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,” Abramovich explained in a statement released on Chelsea’s official website.
“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 FC Foundation trustees include John Devine, Paul Ramos, Piara Powar, Emma Hayes, Sir Hugh Robertson and Bruce Buck.