Roman Abramovich’s handing over “the stewardship and care” of Chelsea is not to avoid possible sanctions from the UK government, the club reportedly told The Telegraph.
Many had expected Abramovich to make a statement, sooner or later, amid recent events, but it is still a surprise that it was released less than a day before the team plays in the League Cup final.
The billionaire has now handed over “the stewardship and care” of the club to the trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation, headed by the club chairman Bruce Buck.
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.
– Roman Abramovich’s statement
The other foundation trustees, include Chelsea women manage, Emma Hayes, chief executive of Kick It Out Piara Power, Paul Ramos, John Devine, and Sir Hugh Robertson.
The Telegraph claims that Chelsea insist that the club is not and will not be for sale.
The club also reportedly added that the power transfer was not made in an attempt to avoid sanctions but rather to save the club from possible “reputational and strategic damage”.
The Telegraph’s report further added that Abramovich remains the owner and may still be able to invest money into the club, provided that he is not sanctioned.
It is just that he has handed the decisions making to the Foundation trustees.
In terms of football decisions, club director Marina Granovskaia and technical and performance advisor Petr Cech will reportedly still be in charge, as they have been in the last couple of years anyway.
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