A significant statement from Abramovich
Roman Abramovich has announced that he is handing over the stewardship and care of Chelsea to trustees of its charitable foundation.
In a statement published on Saturday, Abramovich, Chelsea's owner since 2003, said that he believed the trustees were in the best position to look after the club's interests.
The announcement comes after reports claiming the UK government may look to place sanctions on Abramovich as part of its response Russia's invasion of Ukraine. So far, the government has yet to impose any sanctions against him.
Ministers have been encouraged to to either seize or freeze Abramovich's assets in the UK after it became clear he had been named privately by the government as a person of interest due to his close ties to the Russian state and alleged 'association with corrupt activity and practices'.
The statement 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.
