London (AP) — Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich handed over the Premier League club’s Stewardship and Care to charitable Foundation councilors on Saturday.
The Russian billionaire has not sold the club, but has so far relinquished control after his ownership has been targeted by people, including politicians. The Foundation is chaired by Bruce Buck, who is also the president of the club. Paul Ramos, Chelsea’s Chief Financial Officer, is also one of the councilors.
Abramovich, who has owned Chelsea since 2003, does not mention war in his statement.
“I have always made decisions in the best interests of the club,” he said. “I continue to work on these values, so today I am managing and caring for Chelsea FC as a councilor of the Chelsea Charitable Foundation.
“Currently, I think they are in the best position to protect the interests of clubs, players, staff and fans.”
Abramovich has invested more than $ 2 billion in Chelsea, turning the club into one of the UK’s most successful clubs. The West London Club is currently a World and European Champion.
“While owning Chelsea FC for nearly 20 years, I’ve always seen my role as a club custodian. The job is to ensure that it’s as successful and built as it is today. It also plays a positive role in our community for the future. “
Abramovich was a former Governor of Russia, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a major figure in steel and metal. Abramovich, a dual Israeli citizen with an estimated net worth of over $ 13 billion, used his property to buy homes in Chelsea, London and New York.
Abramovich has not obtained a UK visa since 2018, when the renewal application was withdrawn longer than usual.
It happened when former British spy Sergei Scripal and his daughter promised to reconsider a long-term visa for a rich Russian after being addicted to the British city of Salisbury. Britain has accused Russia of being exposed to nerve agents, Moscow has denied it, and Abramovich has nothing to do with it.
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