In the debate about club owner Roman Abramovich at football Champions League winners FC Chelsea after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russian oligarch has drawn consequences. “I have delegated the responsibility and care of Chelsea FC to trustees of the Chelsea Charitable Foundation,” the billionaire businessman said in a statement on Saturday night on the homepage of the English club world champions.
The day before the League Cup final of team manager Thomas Tuchel’s team at Wembley Stadium on Sunday against Liverpool, it remained unclear whether Abramovich would withdraw permanently or only temporarily from the Blues’ operational business. However, the billionaire, who has Russian, Israeli and Portuguese citizenship, remains the owner of the club. A debate has flared up in England about whether oligarchs like the 55-year-old should be expropriated in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Abramowitsch has been the owner of the London club since 2003, where national players Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger and Timo Werner are currently under contract.
“In my almost 20 years as Chelsea FC owner, I have always seen my role as the custodian of the club, whose job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, while also planning for the future and also to play a positive role in society. I have always made decisions in the best interests of the club. I remain committed to these values, “explained Abramovich his decision and strengthened confidence in the selected trustees: “I believe that they are currently the best able to look after the interests of the club, the players, the staff and the fans.” He doesn’t say a word about the Russian attack or even Ukraine.
Even before Abramovich’s statement, Tuchel had acknowledged the impact of the debate about the donor on the club. “We shouldn’t pretend that this isn’t an issue. The situation for me and my staff, the players is terrible,” said the German coach. It brings a lot of “uncertainty” for the club, said Tuchel, “but it’s much worse for the people who are really affected. Our best wishes, our thoughts are with them, that’s the most important thing”.
After the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, not only Chelsea’s club owners were discussed in the British Parliament. Abramovich is one of numerous oligarchs and companies facing sanctions. It has already been proposed in Parliament to freeze his accounts and confiscate properties including Chelsea. Tuchel had not previously gone into the situation at Stamford Bridge in more detail: “There are so many uncertainties surrounding our club and the situation in Great Britain that it makes no sense for me to comment on it.” However, he conceded that the overall situation masked “our thoughts” and “anticipation for the final”.