Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich Hands 'Stewardship And Care' Of The Club To Its Charitable Foundation

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has handed over "stewardship and care" of the club to trustees of its charitable foundation.

It comes after Labour MP Chris Bryant called for the Russian billionaire to be prevented from owning Chelsea, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Bryant called on the government to seize assets from Abramovich, using his parliamentary privilege to claim he had seen details from a leaked Home Office document from 2019 that had expressed concerns about alleged links between the Chelsea owner and the Russian state.

Abramovich, who has owned Chelsea since 2003, released an ambiguous statement on the club's website on Saturday, which read: “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.

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

Abramovich’s statement comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

More to follow...