Chelsea owner Abramovich hands over 'stewardship' of club amid the backdrop of Russia- Ukraine war 

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has announced on Saturday he is handing over the reins of the Stamford Bridge side to the club’s foundation, by appearing to take himself out of the decision-making process on Saturday after facing calls to completely give up control of the Premier League club following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but a carefully worded statement indicated a relinquishing of some control.
Abramovich issued an official statement saying, "During ownership of Chelsea FC for nearly 20 years, I have always looked to my role as a goalkeeper, whose mission is to ensure our success as we can be today, as well as build the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.”.
The statement added: "I have always made decisions with the club's best interests at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why today I give the trustees of the Chelsea Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC. I believe they are currently in the best position to look after the interests of the club, the players, the staff and the fans."
Britain has decided to prevent Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club, from living in Britain, in protest of Russia's war against Ukraine, according to the British newspaper, The Sun.
The announcement about handing over the "stewardship and care" of Chelsea came a day ahead of the League Cup final meeting with Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. Victory would give Chelsea a fourth League Cup under Abramovich to go with the five Premier League titles, two European Cups, two Europa League titles and five FA Cups.
Across the Premier League on Saturday, players and fans at matches showed solidarity toward those in — and from — Ukraine following Russia’s invasion with flags and messages calling for peace.
"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."
That statement comes three days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine as ordered by Russian president Vladimir Putin, and in the wake of sanctions against British-based Russian investors with connections to the Russian leader.
Abramovich's ties to Putin have come under scrutiny with UK parliamentarians in recent days calling for Abramovich to step away from his role at Chelsea.
The move also came 24 hours before the first match Chelsea is set to play since the invasion of Ukraine: the 2022 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Feb. 27.
Roman Abramovich faced a major crisis recently, against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.