Chelsea billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, has said he is “giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.”

This was contained in a statement released on Saturday, days after his native Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine.

Ever since, there have been calls for Abramovich to be stripped of the ownership of the club.

However, in the statement, he 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.”

The trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation are: John Devine, Paul Ramos, Piara Power, Emma Hayes, Hugh Robertson and Bruch Buck.