Chelsea football club have issued a statement saying the situation in Ukraine is “horrific and devastating” – just hours after owner Roman Abramovich failed to mention the crisis in his stewardship announcement.
The Russian billionaire said on Saturday he was handing over the “stewardship and care” of the Premier League outfit to its charitable foundation trustees.
Abramovich will remain as Chelsea’s owner, but will not be involved in any decision making at the Stamford Bridge club.
Russian advance ‘slows’ due to ‘strong resistance’ – live updates
Labour MP Chris Bryant claimed in the House of Commons on Thursday that the UK government should be looking at “seizing some of his assets” and remove the 55-year-old from Chelsea’s ownership.
Chelsea, who play Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, reacted to the ongoing conflict by releasing a short statement on their website.
It said: “The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
Key developments:
• Gas pipeline hit in Kharkiv as Russian troops enter Ukraine’s second city overnight
• Oil terminal set alight in Vasylkiv, near Kyiv
• Russian banks removed from SWIFT after EU states agree to proposal
• Germany agrees to send lethal weapons to Ukraine in major U-turn
• Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich steps back amid speculation over Putin links
• Zelenskyy says Saturday night was ‘brutal’ with Russian forces ‘attacking civilian areas’
• Ukrainian president refused Russian offer of talks in Belarus but says ‘other cities’ would be viable
• Seven-year-old girl reported among dead in shelling in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine
On Saturday, Abramovich 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.
“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.”
Czech Republic have become the latest national side, after Sweden and Poland, to announce they will not play Russia in the current situation.
If the Czechs beat Sweden in Solna in March, they were scheduled to meet the winner of Poland and Russia later that month.
But the Czech Republic national team said on Twitter: “The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it’s not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue.
“We all want the war to end as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the International Judo Federation has suspended Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The IJF said on its website: “In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.”
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