- The Russian billionaire has indicated that he will be resigning as Chelsea owner.
- Abramovich has been under a lot of pressure following Russia/Ukraine conflict.
Roman Abramovich Chelsea tenure has finally come to an end following increased scrutiny. Roman Abramovich has declared that he will no longer be an active owner of Chelsea, handing up ownership of the club to the Chelsea Foundation’s trustees.
Following the military invasion of Ukraine, the Russian billionaire came under growing scrutiny for his ties to his homeland’s president, Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich declared that he will no longer be in charge at Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that he has not formally resigned or indicated a desire to sell the club. But as things stand, Roman Abramovich will step down as the Chelsea owner sooner than later.
“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,” he wrote on the official Chelsea website.
“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.”
Abramovich’s decision comes after some MPs stated that the Chelsea owner should not be in control of the European champions because of his purported ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Friday, Labour MP Chris Bryant stated that the UK should seize Abramovich’s assets as a result of claims made in a leaked 2019 Home Office memo.
Chris Bryant told the Commons: “I’ve got hold of a leaked document from 2019, from the Home Office, which says in relation to Mr. Abramovich: ‘As part of HMG’s [Her Majesty’s government] Russia strategy aimed at targeting illicit finance and malign activity, Abramovich remains of interest to HMG due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices.”
The Russian billionaire first made his mark in English football in 2003, when he took over as owner of Chelsea from the previous owner Ken Bates.
The Blues have become one of the best Premier League’s and Europe’s premier clubs under his leadership. Chelsea won the Champions League twice and five league titles under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.