By As the international community continues to condemn the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has revealed that he will be stepping down from his position.
The 55-year-old billionaire has been under intense scrutiny for his alleged links with the Vladimir Putin-led Russian state. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also said the Russian-born was already facing sanctions.
In a statement on Saturday evening, Abramovich said he was handing the “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to the club’s charitable foundation.
The statement which was published on the club’s website read in part, “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.”
Though Abramovich remains the owner of Chelsea, he would no longer be involved in the strategic running of the West London club.
