close
Sunday, February 27, 2022

Roman Abramovich surrenders Chelsea to UK club trustees

Calls have recently intensified for Mr Abramovich’s assets to be confiscated over his ties to Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of independent Ukraine.

• February 26, 2022
Roman Abramovich
Roman Abramovich

Roman Abramovich, the Russian business magnate, has surrendered control of his UK football club Chelsea to a foundation.

A statement issued by Mr Abramovich on Saturday said he had decided to end control of the club after nearly 20 years.

His decision came amidst clamour for Chelsea and other assets run by Mr Abramovich in the UK to be confiscated over his ties to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who recently ordered the invasion of independent Ukraine.

See the full statement issued by Mr Abramovich and published on the Chelsea website below:

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. 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. 

More from Peoples Gazette

Economy

Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina

“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.

Showbiz

Burna Boy survives ghastly car accident on Lagos road

“Yes it’s true. I had a bad accident in my Ferrari today. My leg just hurts a little but I’m fine.”

Opinion

Are Nigerians a people not worth counting?

Democracy may depend on numbers but Nigeria’s numbers are hardly good for democracy.

World

Three million Ukrainians already in need of humanitarian assistance: UN

The UN says donors are needed to mobilise financial resources, which will be outlined in a few days.

Police and bandits

States

Police rescue 7 Niger state residents kidnapped by bandits in Zamfara

The seven rescued victims according to the police, were natives of Chibade village in Rijau LGA in Niger state.

Prof. Yakub Mahmood

States

Imo by-election: INEC calls for release of staffers abducted by unknown gunmen

INEC said the adhoc staff were abducted blindfolded and are being compelled to thumbprint the ballot papers.

Police officers

Abuja

Police rescued 11 kidnap victims in Abuja; in search of kidnappers: Official

The police said they’re combing the forests to arrest the kidnappers and rescue other victims.