Headlines
Roman Abramovich: Chelsea Trustees Have Not Yet Agreed to Run Club
Chelsea Foundation trustees have not yet agreed to take over “custody and care” of the club as requested by owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The six trustees want more information about whether running the club would be compatible with UK charity law and raised their concerns at a meeting on Sunday.
The foundation’s lawyers are now working to see whether what Abramovich is proposing can actually be put into effect.
The trustees would need to be totally comfortable from a legal point of view before they assume “control” of the club while Abramovich remains owner.
Russian billionaire Abramovich issued a 110-word statement on Saturday, which did not mention Russia or Ukraine, announcing he would be stepping away from control of Chelsea but would remain owner.
“They should have been a lot stronger in what they said, and regarding Roman Abramovich passing on to Chelsea trustees, that’s not him relinquishing the club, stewardship is not ownership,” said Carragher.
“It’s completely different because he’s still in charge, he’s still running it, which is fine. But to not actually mention in his initial statement what was going on in Ukraine, I thought was really poor.”
Neville described Abramovich’s statement as “meaningless”, saying: “It doesn’t have any strength behind it and the only question we want Roman Abramovich to answer, if he is going to speak, is ‘does he condemn the war or does he support the war on Ukraine?’
“I was surprised at Roman Abramovich, one of things he’s done well over that 20 years or so is not say anything. At the time when he has said something I think it’s left more questions than answers.”
Neville added: “I would have preferred Roman Abramovich to come out and say ‘I’m a Russian national, I own Chelsea Football Club and I will continue to own Chelsea Football club’.
“Chelsea charity trustees are not running the football club – executives and directors will [be] under the guidance of Roman Abramovich. So I don’t know why he thought, or those close to him thought it was going to wash. What he has done is try to use the charity as a shield, which I don’t think is impressive as a leader.”
Chelsea not for sale – but who will run the club?
Abramovich has invested over £1billion into the Stamford Bridge club since purchasing it in 2003 and will not be asking the club to repay the loans it owes him – meaning the long-term future of the club remains secure.
It is also understood that Abramovich remains adamant that Chelsea is not for sale.
Bur there are now questions about his long-term future at the club.
Whether Abramovich will ever return to taking a more visible hands-on role at the club will likely depend strongly on whether he faces any sanctions, and what happens in Ukraine and the UK’s relationship with Russia.
“A lot of Chelsea fans will want to know if he’s still going to be putting money in,” chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol told Sky Sports News. “I believe he will continue to back the club, but that of course could change if the UK Government announce he is being sanctioned – but they haven’t done that so far.”
There have been calls from MPs this week that Russian-born Abramovich should not be allowed to own Chelsea due to his alleged links to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
After Russian troops crossed the border into Ukraine on Thursday, Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons that the Russian-Israeli billionaire should have his assets seized, questioned whether he should be allowed to operate a football club himself, and quoted a leaked government document suggesting he should not be allowed to be based in the UK.
It is understood Abramovich will no longer be involved in club matters on a day-to-day basis and all long-term strategic decision-making powers are being handed over to the Chelsea Foundation.
The Chelsea Foundation’s trustees are Bruce Buck, John Devine, Emma Hayes, Piara Powar, and Hugh Robertson.
For transfers, executive director Marina Granovskaia, technical advisor Petr Cech and head coach Thomas Tuchel will continue to operate within the budgets set by the club.
“As far as football matters are concerned, nothing changes,” reported Solhekol.
Who are the Chelsea Foundation trustees?
Bruce Buck – Chelsea’s current chairman since 2004, Bruce Buck was appointed as a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation in 2010. Buck is also a former managing partner for US-based law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, where he worked across mergers, acquisitions and capital market transactions.
John Devine – Devine has been a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation since 2010. Devine works across the sports sector as part of his role as a partner and head of the sports team at Newcastle-based law firm Muckle LLP. Additionally, Devine assists the PFA on the establishment of charitable organisations by individual players.
Emma Hayes – Having managed Chelsea Women since 2012, Emma Hayes was appointed as a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation in 2017. Hayes has led Chelsea to numerous trophies, including four WSL titles after having previously served as assistant manager at Arsenal from 2006 – 2008 and as manager of Chicago Red Stars from 2008 – 2010.
Piara Powar – Appointed as a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation in 2011, Piara Powar is the current executive director of anti-discrimination and social inclusion network, Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE). Prior to this, Powar served as a director at Kick It Out from 2000 – 2010.
Paul Ramos – Ramos has been associated with Chelsea since 2001 and became a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation in 2017. In his time at the club, Ramos has served as Chelsea’s head of finance and took on the role of director of finance in 2018.
Sir Hugh Robertson – Robertson joined the Chelsea Foundation Board of Trustees in 2015. Robertson has been the chair of the British Olympic Association since 2016 and previously served as the Minister for Sport. Earlier in his career, Robertson worked for seven years at Schroder Investment Management.
Chelsea’s history under Abramovich
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 from Ken Bates for a reported fee of £140m. In the 19 years since he has spent more than £1billion, won 19 major trophies and sacked 11 managers.
In that time, Chelsea have won:
- 5 Premier League titles (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, 2016-17)
- 5 FA Cups (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2017-18)
- 3 League Cups (2004-05, 2006-07, 2014-15)
- 2 Champions Leagues (2011-12, 2020-21)
- 2 Europa Leagues (2012-13, 2018-19)
- Club World Cup (2021-22)
- UEFA Super Cup (2021-22)
And he has worked with 13 different managers:
- Claudio Ranieri (2000-04)
- Jose Mourinho (2004-07 & 2013-15)
- Avram Grant (2007-08)
- Luiz Felipe Scolari (2008-09)
- Guus Hiddink (2009 & 2015-16)
- Carlo Ancelotti (2009-11)
- Andre Villas-Boas (2011-12)
- Roberto Di Matteo (2012)
- Rafael Benitez (2012-13)
- Antonio Conte (2016-18)
- Maurizio Sarri (2018-19)
- Frank Lampard (2019-21)
- Thomas Tuchel (2021 till date)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Headlines3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
News10 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment3 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Headlines1 year agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Economy1 year agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines1 year agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
