As the war in Ukraine escalates, the Russian owner of Chelsea FC, Roman Abramovich, announced he would hand “stewardship and care” of the club over to a charitable foundation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The 55-year-old Russian billionaire said on Saturday that the strategic day-to-day matters of the club would now be in the hands of the Chelsea Foundation.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mr Abramovich stepping away from control of Chelsea.
Who is Roman Abramovich?
Wealthy Russian businessman Roman Abramovich became the owner of the companies that control Chelsea Football Club in June 2003.
Since taking control of the club, Chelsea has won the Champions League twice, the Premier League and FA Cup on multiple occasions, the Europa League twice and the League Cup three times.
In August 2021, they won the Uefa Super Cup and they recently won their first Club World Cup.
A one-time confidante of former Russian president Boris Yeltsin and current Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he has denied any improper links with Mr Putin or his regime.
What action did Abramovich take?
Days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Mr Abramovich made the decision to hand over control of the club to the charitable Chelsea Foundation.
In a statement on Saturday, on the eve of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final match against Liverpool at Wembley, he 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.”
His statement did not refer to the invasion of Ukraine, but Chelsea later released a 24-word statement on Sunday where it described “the situation in Ukraine” as “horrific and devastating”. It made no mention of Russia and added: “Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
Will Mr Abramovich still own Chelsea?
Although the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said it was “seeking urgent clarification” on what the new situation means for his involvement in the operations of the club from a strategic perspective, it is understood that the Russian businessman will remain as the formal owner of Chelsea FC.
Ahead of the move, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had said there were “so many uncertainties around the situation of our club”.
It is understood that Chelsea’s senior leadership team will not change, with chairman Bruce Buck now the west London club’s most senior figure.
Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said it was “ready to work with the trustees of the Chelsea Foundation in order to ensure the long-term interests of the club and supporters,” adding that “we stand with the people of Ukraine”.
BBC Sport has reported that Chelsea is currently not for sale and that the £1.5bn loan their owner gave to the club is not being called in.
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