Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich gives up 'stewardship and care' of Chelsea FC

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is handing over day-to-day operations to the trustees of the club's charitable foundation, the Russian oligarch announced in a statement Saturday.

Abramovich, 55, is a billionaire who previously served as the governor of Chukotka, Russia. There have been recent pressures for Abramovich to sell Chelsea due to his Russian political ties and his close relationship with Vladimir Putin amid the country's current invasion of Ukraine.

"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," Abramovich's statement reads. "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."

The announcement has already been criticized as a largely symbolic one that'll change very little about the Chelsea operations, but aims to take pressure off calls for Abramovich to sell the club.