Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich have on today handed over the leadership of the club to the trustee amidst sanctions from the UK government in freezing the account of Russians Oligarch in connection to the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
The following statement has been published according to the Chelsea official website.
“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 had initially bought Chelsea in 2003, for a sum of One hundred and Forty million Pounds (140m€), a transaction which has turned around the fortune of Chelsea over time and put them as one of the top teams in the world.
The last success witnessed by Abrahamovic on Chelsea was their triumphant in the Club World Cup in January, a trophy which was never in the trophy cabinet of Roman during his era in Chelsea.