Chelsea football club has been heavily criticised for its 'pathetic' statement over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Yesterday, the club's owner Roman Abramovich announced that he was handing over the 'stewardship and care' of the club to trustees of its charitable foundation.
The Russian billionaire, who took over at Stamford Bridge in 2003, said the trustees were in 'the best position' to look after the club’s interests.
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It comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has a close relationship, declared war on Ukraine and ordered thousands of troops to cross the border last week.
Following yesterday's announcement, Chelsea today (27 February) released a statement on the invasion.
It read: "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."
The brief statement has not gone down well with many, who feel it doesn't go far enough to denounce the actions of the Russian government.
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Slamming the club, one user said: "Chelsea showing their true colours with a pathetic statement and saying 'conflict in Ukraine' scumbags."
Echoing the concern, another wrote: "Chelsea make statement on Ukraine, avoid mentioning the terms ‘war’ or ‘invasion’ and fail to mention Russian involvement at all. A joke if a statement.
"Goodbye @ChelseaFC my support is gone."
"Oligarch-owned Chelsea missing one key word in their statement, 'Russia'. Shame on you all," put a third.
While another added: "This is a flat out lie from Reuters. There is nothing in Chelsea's statement that even hints at Chelsea condemning Russia. They don't even *mention* Russia in the 24 pathetic words they put out."
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Abramovich has been facing pressure to step down as owner of the club in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
His statement yesterday read: "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."
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The matter was even discussed in the House of Commons on Thursday 24 February, when MP Chris Bryant said Abramovich should no longer be able to own the club.
He said: "Surely Mr Abramovich should no longer be able to own a football club in this country?
"Surely we should be looking at seizing some of his assets including his £152 million home?"
Topics: Russia, Chelsea, Vladimir Putin
Dominic Smithers