The oligarch told, Saturday 26 February, the conduct of the English club, European champion and world champion, the directors of the charitable foundation of the latter.
Le Monde with AFP
The situation of the most famous owners club Premier League was already not the most comfortable. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it is becoming increasingly untenable. The Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich owns Chelsea FC since 2003. Saturday, February 26, he announced to entrust its management to directors of the charitable foundation of the football club.
He briefly explained in a statement on the club website . “I’ve always made decisions by having at heart the best interests of the club. I remain committed to these values. That is why today I entrust to the directors of the charitable foundation of Chelsea FC Chelsea management. I think they are currently best placed to protect the interests of the club, players, staff and fans, “says Roman Abramovich.
“In the nearly twenty years when I was Chelsea owner, I have always considered my role as a guardian of the club, whose task is to ensure that we are as efficient as possible aujourd ‘hui and that we build for the future, while playing a positive role in our communities, “also emphasizes the Russian billionaire 55 years, which does not specify whether its removal is temporary or permanent.
The contemporary art museum he founded in Moscow, called “Garage”, had also decided to close its doors “until the human and political tragedy unfolding in Ukraine terminated.” In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the museum said it was “categorically opposed to any actions that sow division and create isolation”.
Another strong symbol, the daughter of Roman Abramovich, Sofia, has also issued the following message on Instagram: “The biggest lie and the most successful of the Kremlin propaganda is that most Russians would be supportive of Putin. “
According to The Telegraph, Abramovich will remain owner of the club and does not try to sell the sacred European champion last season. The taking away of the oligarch comes as the British authorities have announced sanctions against Russian interests, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The British government ordered Friday the freezing of all assets of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. The Treasury issued notices of financial sanctions against the two men, adding to a list of Russian oligarchs whose assets and bank accounts in the UK have already been frozen. A list that is not Abramovich, who also owns the Israeli nationality and Portuguese.
“The owner’s situation disrupts the team”
But the Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran (opposition) has designated Wednesday as one of 35 “key men” Putin who should be punished. Chelsea fan groups (Chelsea Supporters’Trust CST) on Saturday called for clarification. “We note the statement of Mr. Abramovich and are seeking urgent clarification on what this statement means to manage Chelsea FC,” they wrote in a statement.
“CSE Administration The Board is ready to work with the directors of the Chelsea Foundation to ensure the long-term interests of the club and the supporters. We are with the people of Ukraine,” they conclude.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel had acknowledged Friday that the club owner status “disturbed” his team. “We can not pretend that this is not a problem. The situation in general, for me and my staff, for everyone in Cobham [the club’s training center], for players is horrible” , said Tuchel reporters without uttering the name of Mr Abramovich.
“Nobody expected that. It’s very surreal, like I said, it disturbs our minds, it darkens our excitement as we approach the end of the [League Cup]” who oppose his club Liverpool on Sunday he added.