ARTICLES

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich makes key move following backlash from pro-Russian elements

Published by
Surajit Das

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hands over power at the club to the Chelsea Foundation

According to Sky Sports, Roman Abramovich has released a statement announcing that he is leaving his post at Chelsea amid Russia’s heavily criticised aggression towards Ukraine. 

After buying the club in 2003, the 55-year-old has spent a small fortune of money turning Chelsea into a continental superpower. Investment in the transfer market has often seen the Blues carve a niche for themselves on the field, winning major honours both domestically and internationally.

The Blues have won five Premier League titles, another five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League crowns, and two Europa League trophies under the ownership of the Russian Billionaire. Mr Abramovich celebrated the West London team’s recent Club World Cup triumph from the venue and seemed quite joyous.   

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in the stands. (Getty Images)

The situation grew quite grim in Ukraine after Russia launched a full-fledged war against them earlier this week. The order was given by Russia’s current president Vladimir Putin, who has close ties with the Chelsea owner. The British government have since started to levy sanctions against Russians holding tier-1 passports, including Abramovich.

Amid such a situation, Mr Abramovich has left his duties and handed all the power to the trustees of the Chelsea Foundation. The Russian Billionaire wouldn’t be involved in any decision-making process and long-term planning for the club.  The Blues said in his statement that at this moment, the trustees are better equipped to make the right decision for the club at this moment in time.     

“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.”

Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.

The statement doesn’t say much about how the club will be run from now on or whether there will be any structural changes. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has requested the club give more details regarding the arrangement. 

It is believed that Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, technical adviser Petr Cech, and coach Thomas Tuchel will hold onto their regular positions for the foreseeable future. 

More Chelsea News

Roman Abramovich has played a vital role in taking our club to where it is today. However, considering the current situation, his involvement in the decision-making process at Stamford Bridge amidst the prevailing tragedy in Ukraine will be in poor taste.

More so, it will also act as an unnecessary distraction for the players and the staff off the field. That’s why his departure at this moment seems a small price for the club’s better future. Just what changes we can expect from this new arrangement remains to be seen.

Surajit Das

Recent Posts

Chelsea tell Mauricio Pochettino what he must do to save job as Jose Mourinho denied 3rd stint

Chelsea hierarchy deliver an ultimatum to Mauricio Pochettino for him to secure his future Mauricio…

6 hours ago

Mauricio Pochettino explains why West Ham clash is ‘one of the most dangerous games’ as Chelsea aim to continue brilliant home record

Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea players will have to mentally prepare themselves for season's last matches…

17 hours ago

“I don’t want to lie” – Mauricio Pochettino speaks on his Chelsea future amid exit ‘rumours’

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino talks about his future amid exit rumours Mauricio Pochettino made it…

18 hours ago

“I just want to celebrate” – 20-year-old Chelseaa loanee says he could stay at newly-promoted PL club

Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson is open to continuing at Ipswich after leading them to Premier…

18 hours ago

Chelsea star says season will be a ‘success’ if they meet this objective by end of PL season

Dorde Petrovic hopes to lead Chelsea to a European spot next season Chelsea goalie Dorde…

19 hours ago

Chelsea ready to offer Lukaku for Serie A superstar; first contact made

Chelsea offer Napoli Romelu Lukaku in a players-plus-cash to sign Victor Osimhen According to Italian…

19 hours ago