LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Russian owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, says the club would be “stewarded and cared for by trustees of Chelsea’s charity foundation.”
Abramovich, who will continue to control the club, made the decision in the midst of Ukraine invasion of Russia.
The decision was taken on the eve of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final match against Liverpool at Wembley.
In a statement, Abramovich stated that he’s always made decisions with the club’s best interests in heart.
These are the values to which he is still dedicated. That is why he is entrusting Chelsea FC’s leadership and care to the trustees of Chelsea’s charity Foundation today.
He said he believes that they are currently in the best position to protect the club’s, players’, staff’s, and supporters’ interests.
Chelsea made another statement on Sunday, this time referring to the situation as “horrific and devastating,” in response to Abramovich’s statement that did not mention the invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea FC sends its condolences to everyone in Ukraine. Everyone in the club is hoping for a peaceful resolution, the west London club stated.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said it was “urgently seeking clarification” on what Abramovich’s Saturday comments meant for the club’s operations.
It is unclear whether Abramovich will face sanctions as part of the UK government’s anti-Russian efforts.
Chelsea are not for sale, according to BBC Sport, and their owner’s £1.5 billion loan to the club is not being called in.
Abramovich is said to be close to the Russian President and is one of Russia’s wealthiest people.
“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 building for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities” he continued.
Chelsea’s community and education departments, as well as other charity operations, are managed by the Chelsea Foundation. Bruce Buck, a US lawyer who also serves as the club’s chairman.
The charges made concerning Abramovich in the House of Commons were not confirmed by Downing Street.
“Unless and until he condemns the criminal invasion of Ukraine I will continue to call for the UK to sanction him and seize/freeze assets.” Bryant stated in a tweet on Sunday.
On Sunday, UK foreign secretary Liz Truss said she had a “hit list” of Russian oligarchs facing penalties, but she wouldn’t reveal if Abramovich was on it.
Following Russia’s invasion of a neighbouring country, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel remarked on Friday that there is “so much uncertainty about our club’s status.”
“We are ready to cooperate with the trustees of the Chelsea Foundation in order to protect the long-term interests of the club and supporters,” the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said. “We stand with the people of Ukraine,” it continued.
