Roman Abramovich took many Chelsea fans by surprise on Saturday evening, when he released a personal statement via the club's official website to confirm that he is stepping down from his duties in charge of the club.
The Russian businessman communicated his decision just a few days after Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia were launching a military operation against neighbouring country Ukraine.
"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea, 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," read Abramovich's statement.
"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.
"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans."
How does Abramovich's departure affect Chelsea?
Abramovich was not the one who was running Chelsea in the last few years, with director Marina Granovskaia being in charge of football operations.
Back in December, Granovskaia received the Best Club Director award in 2021 as part of the annual Golden Boy awards, organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
Meanwhile, Abramovich still owns Chelsea, but Foundation Trustees John Devine, Emma Hayes, Piara Powar, Paul Ramos and Sir Hugh Robertson will run the club along with Granovskaia in the Russia businessman's absence.
The Carabao Cup final
Abramovich's statement was published one day before the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool. The two teams are set to face each other at Wembley on Sunday and coach Thomas Tuchel had already claimed in his press conference on Friday that the situation is not ideal at the club following Russia's invasion.
"The situation in general, for me and for my staff and for everybody here at Cobham, for the players, is horrible," he said.
"Nobody expected this. It's pretty unreal, it's clouding our minds, it's clouding excitement towards the [Carabao Cup] final and it brings huge uncertainty.
"To a certain degree I can understand the critical opinions towards the club, towards us who represent that club. I can understand that and we cannot fully free ourselves from it."
issiis
152
Best owner in the last 2 decades 2×Champions league title 5×Pl title 5× Fa cup 1×Club world cup 1×Super cup 2×Europa league titles
NeonGrace
80
Means nothing... He'll still be controlling things, just from " a distance" ...
Vadadekpu
45
Chelsea only wants his money but not in his faiths . No oil money no world class players , noveorld class players means "No Glory" to be grabbed.. [ko] [ko] [ko]
Tebbcry
29
A man’s investment is his investment, you broke ass fools saying seize his investment his club. Make your money and buy a club first then you can talk. Poor ppl always jealous of rich people bastards. Y’all will remain poor. If you know what USA Israel has done you’ll stay put. Let Putin bomb Ukraine why will de want to join NATO rubbish.
Reggae4⚽️
16
Greetings to each and everyone it’s a sad situation that’s going on in Ukrain but let’s not get things all twisted as far as Mr Abramovich is concerned. He has been a model owner since taking ownership of Chelsea he has been supportive of the community for years and has been responsible for so many jobs in and around the community during the chaotic time during the pandemic he went far and beyond allowing his hotel to be used during the crisis paid all staff members in his organization while they were home assisted the community with whatever was needed there was no call’s then or recognition of his humanitarian efforts. Now the inner forces of the clandestine knights of EPL along with the presumptive labor minister with his political and interior motives calling for his dismissal as an owner. Let’s not forget they tried forcing him to sell a couple years ago but he refused so they denied him a visas to return back to England hence his citizenship from another country just to return politics within politics so now they see a loop hole to insert pressure for his dismissal. Him stepping aside is in the best interest of The Club and I’m sure he’ll stay atop of issues from afar. Knowing an individual doesn’t make you his accomplice in his doings he’s not involved in government or politics this was a known fact before he became the owner so why now. Let’s not use politics now to manifest interior motives instead POLITICANS should stick to what they know folitricks and stay out of SPORTS. It’s a sad situation going on in Ukrain we pray for an early peaceful resolution PEOPLES lives are at stake condemnation of WAR on another is barbaric let PEACE reign too many weapons of mass destruction
Marsstandford
12
corruption and criminal money
Corruption money you said? Yet that corruption money was used to create so many jobs for the Uk government over the past 20 years and now they just realized it’s corruption money....😂😂, just so you know, the same Uk and Europe destroyed Africa through slavery and killings and stole all their wealths to develop their own country for centuries and they still do that till today systematically, What will you call that?... Africa will never forget... so before you open your smelling mouth to say things, you should know the facts who is corrupt and who is more corrupt....
Cowadiknps
8
what about Israel and UK and USA and all the important people who was behind a lot of wars all of the world like Libay and Syria and Afghanistan and Iraq so why hasn't any body talking about them