Roman Abramovich has handed over Chelsea FC to the trustees of the club’s charitable foundation.

Abramovich made this known in a statement posted on the website of the club on Saturday.

He said: “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.

READ ALSO: Russia-Ukraine crisis: NATO activates Response Force

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

It was gathered that Abramovich had been named as a person of interest in 2019 because of alleged links to the Russian state and alleged ‘association with corrupt activity and practices’.

It was, however, claimed that any attempts to place sanctions upon him could have been disastrous for the club.

This is coming amid UK sanctions against Russian entities after the invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich is a Russian oligarch, one of the groups targeted by the western sanctions.

TheStar