Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given trustees of the London side's charitable foundation stewardship of the Premier League club, the Russian said on Saturday.
Statement from Club Owner Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2022
Abramovich, who bought the London club in 2003, said the foundation was in the "best position to look after the interests" of the club.
"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," he said in a statement
"I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values."
Abramovich and Chelsea did not reveal why he was giving the foundation stewardship.
Chelsea position on official statement made by Abramovich. The club is understood to be ‘not for sale’ as things stand - also, Roman Abramovich is still the owner. #CFC
The decision to step back announced today has been made in order to help and protect the club. pic.twitter.com/Gv57ze5Pzb— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2022
However, several Russian individuals and entities have been put under sanctions by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Moscow launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea this week.
Abramovich has not faced any sanctions yet.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Friday that uncertainty over Abramovich's future was weighing on the club ahead of Sunday's League Cup final.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Alison Williams)
