Roman Abramovich hands stewardship of Chelsea to club's charity trust following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Roman Abramovich has handed “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to the club’s charitable foundation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After nearly 20 years of running Chelsea, he wants to take a step back due to the current geopolitical climate.

Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons that the Russian-Israeli billionaire should have his assets seized, questioned whether he should be allowed to operate a football club himself, and quoted a leaked government document suggesting he should not be allowed to be based in the UK. Thomas Tuchel had spoken of how these talks were distracting to his Chelsea team as they prepare for their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool tomorrow. Roman Abramovich who has barely granted interviews (not even to Chelsea’s in-house media team) all his life released a statement in which he steps back from operations at the club for now.

The statement reads; “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.”

Those Trustees are Bruce Buck, John Devine, Emma Hayes, Piara Powar, Paul Ramos, and Sir Hugh Robertson. The full scale and length of his stepping down remains unknown yet and the future remains unpredictable. Wonder how this affects the team on the pitch tomorrow.