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Less than 15 hours after Russian owner Roman Abramovich announced he was relinquishing the "stewardship and care" of Chelsea Football Club, they have released a statement on the current situation in Ukraine.

A short statement on Sunday morning was released, shortly after 9:30am, which simply declared: "The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating.

"Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace."

Notably, there is no mention of Russia, or the Russian invasion.

The club's declaration that they are "praying for peace" comes after the statement on Saturday night of 55-year-old owner Abramovich.

The Russian oligarch bought the Blues in 2003 and they have won every trophy available to them, including five Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, under his tenure.

But he has found himself in the spotlight in recent days in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He is alleged to have links with Vladimir Putin - something he denies - and his ownership of Chelsea has been plunged into doubt in light of the severe sanctions imposed on the invading nation.

His daughter, Sofia, lashed out at the Russian president in a social media post on Friday, pinning the blame for the war in Ukraine solely