The owner of the Chelsea Football Club, who is Russian, announced on Saturday that he was handing over the “stewardship” of the Premier League team to the trustees of its charitable foundation amid Russia’s invasion into Ukraine.
“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,” Roman Abramovich said in a statement one day before the Carabao Cup final that Chelsea is set to play in.
“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,” he continued. “I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”
A member of British Parliament earlier this week called for Abramovich to be sanctioned and barred from owning Chelsea based on the team owner’s alleged ties to the Russian state and to “corrupt activity and practices,” according to The Guardian. Abramovich has denied reports that he is close to Putin or has done anything meriting sanctions.
He can continue to fund the club unless he is sanctioned, the news outlet noted.
The announcement comes as a number of sports teams, organizations and professional athletes have announced boycotts or other moves against the Russian invasion into Ukraine.
The UEFA Executive Committee moved its Champions League final from St. Petersburg to Paris, while the president of the Polish Football Federation said Poland would not be participating in a a World Cup qualifying semi-final that was set to be hosted in Russia next month.