Abramovich gives trustees Chelsea 'stewardship'

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich handed over the "stewardship and care" of the Premier League club to its charitable foundation trustees on Saturday in an apparent move to fend off calls for him to completely give up control.

The Russian billionaire is not selling the club but is giving up any control for now after being targeted by figures, including politicians, over his ownership. Abramovich, who has owned Chelsea since 2003, made no mention of the war in his statement.

He has invested more than $2 billion in Chelsea, transforming the club into one of the most successful in England. Since Abramovich took control Chelsea have won 19 major titles and are the current FIFA Club World Cup and UCL Champions.

The announcement comes a day before Chelsea play Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley.