ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has sensationally given up control of Chelsea after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Blues owner – who bought the club in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.
It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
The six new rulers of the Stamford Bridge club are chairman Bruce Buck , Blues’ women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson and Piara Powar.
Lawyer John Devine and Paul Ramos, director of finance, make up the six new trustees.
Abramovich said: “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.
“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.”
Blues fans reacted with shock at the news, and are confused if it means he has fully stepped away.
The decision is understood to be an attempt to distance the club from the controversy surround him.
Earlier this week Labour MP Chris Bryant stated Russian billionaire Abramovich should be barred from owning the club.
There were concerns over his links to “corrupt activity and practices”.
If he did face similar penalties that would prevent a takeover of Chelsea as Abramovich would not be able to sell an asset he owns.
Even if sanctions were placed on the 55-year-old, legal experts believe that the government would agree an official “carve out” of Chelsea from any prospective actions to avoid significant impact on the club.
Regardless, sources close to Abramovich insist he has done nothing that would make him liable to sanctions.
Yesterday, his daughter Sofia shared an anti-Vladimir Putin meme on social media.
He has won five Premier League titles during his astonishing tenure at the club.
