Chelsea ‘may still face sanctions from UK government’ despite Roman Abramovich step back | Football | Sport
Chelsea could still be affected by government sanctions of Roman Abramovich despite the Russian handing over ‘stewardship’ of the club, according to reports. The billionaire, who is an alleged associate of Vladimir Putin, made a rare public statement on Saturday evening amid calls for him to be deposed as owner of the Premier League club.
Abramovich has handed ‘stewardship’ of the Blues to trustees of the Chelsea charitable foundation.
It is thought that the move is to prevent Chelsea being caught up in negative attention Abramovich faces over his apparent association to Putin.
Russian president Putin last week ordered the invasion of eastern Ukraine.
On Saturday, Russian troops attempted to take control of Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv.
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Labour MP Chris Bryant last week used parliamentary privilege to call for Abramovich to relinquish his ownership of Chelsea.
And the 55-year-old made a rare public statement on Saturday.
A statement read: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, 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.
“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.
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However, Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, is not understood to be one.
Chelsea made a statement of their own on Sunday morning, calling for peace in Ukraine. However, the short message did not mention Russia by name.
“The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating,” it read.
“Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
