The Five Trustees Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich Handed Powers of The Club To

• Roman Abramovich came under immense pressure to hand over powers of Chelsea to the club's charitable foundation
• The charitable foundation is made up of five trustees including Emma Hayes, Chelsea's women's team manager
• Abramovich made the drastic decision owing to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis which has seen Vladimir Putin come under fire from the international community

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich declared on Saturday evening, February 26, that he was handing over the “stewardship and care” of the club to Chelsea’s charitable foundation.

The shocking decision by Abramovich came after the Russian found himself under a tight spot following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant is among the critics who called on Abramovich to hand over Chelsea's ownership due to his alleged close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich hands over Chelsea to trustees

Amid the mounting pressure, Abramovich took the decision to distance himself from the west London club, opting to transfer it to the trustees.

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"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," he said.

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

But who are the trustees?

1. Bruce Buck

Bruce Buck is Chelsea's club chairman and is understood to have been a huge supporter of the club since coming to London in 1983.

2. Emma Hayes

Emma is Chelsea's Women's team manager who has recorded significant success with the side.

She has won the WSL four times and the Women’s FA Cup three times for the club and was named as trustee back in November 2017.

3. Piara Powar

Piara Powar has been Chelsea's trustee since 2011.

He is currently serving as the executive director of the anti-discrimination and social inclusion network, FARE.

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4. Paul Ramos

Paul Ramos is Chelsea’s director of finance and has been serving in the position since February 2018.

5. Sir Hugh Robertson

Robertson is a former Minister for Sport and a Member of Parliament.