Abramovich Gives Up Control Of Chelsea Amid Russian Crisis

“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 FC.

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

The decision has been attributed to the controversy around his relationship with president of his country, Valdimir Putin.

Some days ago, reports said Abramovich had been barred from living in the United Kingdom due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The UK government claimed that Abramovich was named by Members of Parliament on Tuesday as being one of 35 oligarchs identified by the Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, as one of the ‘key enablers’ of the ‘kleptocracy’ run by Putin.

However, the Russian billionaire has vehemently denied his closeness to the Kremlin or doing anything that would merit sanctions being imposed against him – as Britain looked to impose sanctions on Russia amid rising tensions with Ukraine.

Immigration officials were reportedly under instructions to make it impossible for Abramovich – who owns a £125m mansion near Kensington Palace – to base himself in the UK

Daily Trust