{"id":25249,"date":"2022-02-26T16:28:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T21:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=25249"},"modified":"2022-02-26T18:31:24","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T23:31:24","slug":"abramovich-hands-stewardship-of-chelsea-to-clubs-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=25249","title":{"rendered":"Abramovich Hands Stewardship Of Chelsea To Club’s Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Abramovich will remain as owner but will not be involved in any decision-making at Stamford Bridge (PA Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Roman Abramovich has handed the \u201cstewardship and care\u201d of Chelsea to the club\u2019s foundation trustees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abramovich will remain as Chelsea\u2019s owner, but will not be involved in any decision making at the Stamford Bridge club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich has taken the decision to protect Chelsea from continued links to the wider situation of Russia\u2019s war with Ukraine, the PA news agency understands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea\u2019s senior leadership set-up will not change, it is understood, with chairman Bruce Buck now the west London club\u2019s most senior figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDuring 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,\u201d read a statement from Abramovich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have always taken decisions with the club\u2019s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea\u2019s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abramovich\u2019s step backwards will not have any bearing on any possible UK government sanctions, but was a decision understood to have been taken solely in Chelsea\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour MP Chris Bryant claimed in the House of Commons on Thursday that the UK government should seize Abramovich\u2019s assets and remove the 55-year-old from Chelsea\u2019s ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abramovich did not apply for a renewal of his UK work visa in 2018, leading to a period of time where he was rarely seen in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In October 2021, Abramovich visited Stamford Bridge for a Say No To Anti-Semitism event, in support of Chelsea\u2019s long-running campaign against racism and hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abramovich then attended Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea in action in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in November, and was on hand in Abu Dhabi when the Blues won the Club World Cup final on February 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and has help turn the Blues into one of Europe\u2019s most successful club sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea have won 19 major titles since Abramovich took control of the west Londoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement, the Chelsea Supporters\u2019 Trust said it was \u201cseeking urgent clarification\u201d on the implications of Abramovich\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Chelsea Supporters\u2019 Trust is deeply saddened and shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent loss of life,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe note Mr Abramovich\u2019s statement (26.2.22) and are seeking urgent clarification on what this statement means for the running of Chelsea FC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe CST board are ready to work with the trustees of The Chelsea Foundation in order to ensure the long-term interest of the club and supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe stand with the people of Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n

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