Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich announced on Saturday that he will hand over control of Chelsea to the trustees of the club’s charitable foundation. His decision comes amid pressure from British public opinion over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich makes this decision just two days after the start of the Russian army’s attack on Ukraine, a conflict criticized by almost the entire international community. “I have always made decisions with the best interests of the club in mind,” justified the Chelsea owner.
In the brief statement in which he made the announcement, however, the billionaire did not mention the conflict. On Thursday (24), the British government had already announced sanctions against Russian businessmen due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Of the Chelsea foundation trustees, Abramovich said that “they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff and fans”.
The businessman took control of the London club in 2003 and, according to the English press, he has already invested more than 2 billion pounds (R$ 13 billion) in almost 20 years.
In the period, the team won the Champions League twice, in addition to being the current champion of the FIFA Club World Cup, among other important achievements.
The Russian’s fortune is estimated at 8.4 billion pounds (R$ 58 billion).
See the full statement posted on Chelsea’s website
During my nearly 20 years of tenure at Chelsea FC, I have always considered my role as the club’s guardian, whose job it is to ensure that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as building for the future, while playing a positive role in our communities. I have always made decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That’s why today I’m giving the trustees of the Chelsea Charitable Foundation the management and care of Chelsea FC. I believe they are currently in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff and fans.
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