Abramovich leaves Chelsea over Russia-Ukraine dispute

Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea, informed that he will leave the management of the team to the English team’s Charitable Foundation, following the conflict between Russia, his native country, and Ukraine.

“During my nearly 20 years as owner of Chelsea FC, I have always seen my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is to ensure that we are as successful as possible today, as well as building for the future, while playing a positive role in our communities. I have always made decisions with the best interests of the Club in mind. I remain committed to these values. That is why today I am handing over the management and care of Chelsea FC to the trustees of the Chelsea Charitable Foundation,” the English club said in a statement.

In the text, the Russian said the move was made to look after Chelsea’s interests, which is currently his priority.

“I believe they are currently in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, the players, the staff and the fans.” Since Abramovich’s arrival at Chelsea in 2003, the Blues have assumed a leading role in English and European soccer, having only had one Premier League and not even one Champions League to their name at the time.

Under Abramovich’s tenure, the Blues have won five Premier League championships, in addition to lifting two ‘Orejonas’, in 2011/2012 and 2020/2021, and even managed to win their first Club World Cup in the 2021 edition.

Chelsea currently occupies third place in the Premier League, while in the Champions League they are in the round of 16, where they won 2-0 in the first leg against French side Lille, an opponent they will face again on March 16.