Roman Abramovich dramatically relinquished control of Chelsea amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The owner of the Blues – who bought the club in July 2003 – launched a file Incredible statement on their website tonight.
1
It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
It is understood that the six new stewards of Stamford Bridge are Chairman Bruce Buck.
Emma Hayes, Women’s Blues President, National Lottery President Sir Hugh Robertson and Piara Power
Attorney John Devine and Paul Ramos, Director of Finance, make up six new trustees.
He said: “During ownership of Chelsea FC for nearly 20 years, I have always seen my role as a goalkeeper, whose mission is to ensure 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 made decisions with the club’s best interests at heart. I remain committed to these values.
“That is why today I give the trustees of the Chelsea Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
“I think they are currently in the best position to look after the interests of the club, the players, the staff and the fans.”
Blues fans reacted shockingly to the news, and were puzzled if he meant he walked away completely.
Earlier this week, Labor MP Chris Bryant stated that Russian billionaire Abramovich should be banned from owning the club.
There were concerns about his links with “corrupt activities and practices”.
It is not known if he will formally sell the club, as KPMG has estimated The Blues at £1.6 billion.
He never indicated that he would sell it before releasing the statement.
And although the British government froze the assets of some Russian oligarchs due to the events in Ukraine, Abramovich was not punished.
Free Bets: Get over £2000 on new customer deals
If he faced similar penalties that would prevent a takeover of Chelsea because Abramovich would not be able to sell one of the assets he owns.
Even if sanctions were imposed on the 55-year-old, legal experts believe the government would agree to formally “exclude” Chelsea from any potential measures to avoid significant impact on the club.
Regardless, sources close to Abramovich insist he did nothing that would make him vulnerable to sanctions.
What did Roman win at Chelsea?
5 Premier League
2 Champions League
5 FA Cup
3 League Cup
2 European League
1 Club World Cup
Yesterday, his daughter Sofia shared an anti-Vladimir Putin meme on social media.
Today it was reported that US investors are keen to buy the Club World Cup champions.
He won five Premier League titles during his impressive tenure at the club.
