The Blues’ Russian owner announced plans to place the ‘stewardship’ of the club in trustees’ hands at the weekend.
The Charity Commission has confirmed a serious incident report from the Chelsea Foundation.
The trustees of the club’s charitable foundation filed a report after Blues owner Roman Abramovich announced he would leave ‘the stewardship and care’ of Chelsea in their hands on Saturday.
The Russian billionaire, who plans to retain ownership of the club, made the move amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But the move hasn’t gone down well, with the UK Charity Commission now seeking information from the trustees.
“We have contacted the charity seeking information and, in line with our guidance, the charity has also made a report to the Commission,” the Commission said.
Hugely significant statement from Roman Abramovich.
“I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.” pic.twitter.com/RbHT5cXoIo
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 26, 2022
Why did the trustees report Abramovich?
The uncertainty over how the club will be run, conflicts of interest, and the legal liabilities associated with taking responsibility are the trustees’ primary concerns.
According to the Independent, the Foundation’s six trustees met on Sunday. They seek legal clarity and advice from the Charity Commission, namely on how and if Abramovich’s proposal can be enacted.
A spokesperson for Abramovich said on Monday that the 55-year-old is attempting to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Who are members of the Chelsea Foundation’s Trustees?
The members of the Foundation’s Trustees include Chelsea Woman’s coach Emma Hayes, British Olympic Association chair Hugh Robertson, Chelsea’s director of finance Paul Ramos, lawyer John Devine, the executive director of the anti-discrimination Fare network Piara Powar, and club chairman Bruce Buck – who also is the chairman of the Foundation.
When do Chelsea return to action?
After losing the EFL Cup final to Liverpool on penalties, Chelsea hope for a swift return to winning ways at Luton Town in a fifth-round FA Cup tie on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s men are heavy favorites to beat the Championship promotion hopefuls, with odds starting at 1.36 at the time of writing.
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