What does the new ‘stewardship’ hold for Chelsea?
On the evening before Chelsea’s highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, club owner and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich handed over the stewardship of the European champions to the trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation. Amidst tension within the group and fans alike ahead of a high-voltage encounter where a piece of silverware is at stake, Abramovich proactively issued an official statement.
The 55-year-old stated:
“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 further read:
“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.”
Whilst he continues to remain the owner of the club, director Marina Granovskaia and former goalkeeper Petr Cech will oversee contracts, players and transfers for the foreseeable future. This passing of the baton could alter Chelsea’s approach to games, transfer windows and much more.
Abramovich’s move could be viewed as a smart one, as the Blues dressing room and fanbase watched governing bodies lay sanctions against Russia on a variety of fronts. Thomas Tuchel, who shepherded his team to their fifth final in just 13 months, admitted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine engendered a sense of apprehension within the dressing room.
The obvious matter this resolves is to take pressure off the team, as they seek another trophy. The hockey world had recently begun questioning Russian players about their views on the conflict in Ukraine, and this allows players to focus on their on field performance without having to face media pressure regarding ownership.
For the time being, a token of assurance, and a plan of action were essential. As the most prominent face of an organisation such as Chelsea, Abramovich had to be quick in his assessment of the situation. While some have been appreciative of the gesture, others argue it doesn’t go far enough. What players and fans have yet to hear from Abramovich is a public condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While it appears like a short-term solution, Chelsea’s transfer business could be in line for a drastic makeover. For 20 years, regardless of the board’s analysis, the presidential power of the club has been in the hands of Abramovich. He has always held final say on any major roster moves. In the interim, there will be a cabinet and not a solitary leader passing their resolutions. How quickly Chelsea can get deals over the line with their new decision by committee approach remains to be seen.
Abramovich’s funds combined with shrewd negotiations from the board have accelerated business for them on many occasions in the past. It was no wonder then, that they managed to land the likes of Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic despite varied interest from teams across Europe, mainly Liverpool.
In terms of political repercussions, Abramovich’s connections with Vladimir Putin, alongside UK’s relationship with Russia, could result in the owner being sanctioned. Depending on what happens over the next few weeks, it’s not inconceivable to think higher authorities in the UK government could make the case he should not be allowed to own Chelsea.
For now however, as he has done for almost two decades, Abramovich has ensured the hundreds of staff and players, as well as the fans remain unaffected by a predicament that is beyond their capacity. How long this change in leadership is in place will be the subject of much debate and analysis as the season wears on.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak