Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has decided to hand over the 'care and stewardship' of the club to Chelsea's charity foundation.
It's a move that's come the night before the Londoners face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. It hasn't come without some internal and outside pressure.
On Friday, Chelsea manager Tomas Tuchel was asked if Roman Abramovich's alleged involvement with the Russian state had caused any worry within the club.
"We are aware of it and it’s distracting us, it’s worrying us," Tuchel said. "I can understand the opinions and the critical opinions towards the club."
"We don’t have the insight what is really going on. At the moment we don’t feel responsible for all this. We feel that it is horrible and there can be no doubt about it."
Statement from Club Owner Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2022
A report from The Times this week suggested Roman Abramovich could face 'going out of business' if the UK government imposed sanctions on him and his assets.
Abramovich has been challenged by some UK MPs over his ties with the Russian State, with some even calling for him to barred from his ownership of Chelsea as a result.
The increasing pressure has also led to speculation that the Russian could look to sell the club. Now with him handing over ownership, that could be likely.
Here was Roman Abramovich's statement in full:
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.
More to follow.
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