Chelsea’s Russian boss Roman Abramovich hands over club control to charitable foundation
Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich has announced that he will hand over the day-to-day affairs of the club to the trustees.
The Russian boss has been at the helm of the club for nearly 20 years, but relations with his home country have been questioned of late following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“During my nearly 20 years of ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always observed my role as a mentor to the club, whose job it is to ensure that we can be as successful as we are today, as well as build for the future , while also playing a positive role in our communities,” Abramovich said in an official statement.
“I have always made decisions with the best interest of the club at heart. I am committed to these values. That is why I am today giving the leadership and care of Chelsea FC to the trustees of Chelsea’s Charitable Foundation. I believe That they are currently the best the club is in a position to look after the interests of the players, staff and fans.”
Abramovich took control of Chelsea in 2003. Under his reign, the Blues managed to win five Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.
Following rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the sporting fraternity has become active and many events in Russia have been cancelled, including the Russian Grand Prix.
The Champions League final has also been moved out of Russia and will now take place in Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that “they will never see the consequences” of any attempt to interfere with Russian action.
