Roman Abramovich's decision to reliquish control of Chelsea is 'symbolic' rather than technical

Roman Abramovich sent shockwaves around the world of football on Saturday night by announcing he was handing the ‘stewardship and care of Chelsea FC’ to the trustees of the club’s charitable foundation. Abramovich, 55, who is worth £10billion and bought the club from Ken Bates in summer 2003, has come under renewed scrutiny after Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, with the revelation last week that in 2019 the Home Office linked the billionaire to the Russian state as well as ‘corrupt activity and practices’. Nothing significant will change at Chelsea despite Roman Abramovich's statement Abramovich hopes Chelsea won't be targeted for abuse by those who link him to Russian president Vladimir Putin His statement in full 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 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 believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.’ Abramovich accepts that if the Government come after him the distancing wouldn't stop them seizing assets such as Chelsea If this were to be paraphrased to its core meaning, it would have read: ‘I remain Chelsea’s owner but I’m distancing myself for now from day-to-day control.’ Chelsea have been transformed under Abramovich’s time in control.