Control of Chelsea remains in doubt with trustees of the club’s charitable Foundation still to agree to take over stewardship from Roman Abramovich.
There remain questions over their proposed new roles at Stamford Bridge after the Russian owner’s shock decision to take a step back over the weekend.
Among concerns is the legality of a sudden shift from a charity to the running of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
Another issue raised has been the length of the stewardship and a reluctance to step in at a time when Russian oligarchs are being sanctioned by the UK Government in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Talks are expected to continue throughout this week, with individual trustees given the opportunity to opt in or out.
Abramovich announced on Saturday evening that he was taking a step back from the running of the European champions after 19 years in charge, handing over control to the foundation, which is headed up by chairman Bruce Buck.
It was presented as a done deal at the time, but trustees had not agreed on the details, despite being given warning of the statement.
At a meeting yesterday numerous issues were raised regarding their level of control, while the motivation of Abramovich’s move has also been considered.
Sources say the billionaire is looking to protect the club from reputational damage even though he has not been sanctioned. But there are misgivings, not least regulations over a charity taking on such a role.
While at least two leading figures among the board of trustees dismissed suggestions there were concerns over ‘major unanswered questions,’ it has become clear that the details over the running of the club are still to be decided.
Abramovich’s own level of control will continue to be scrutinised by critics such as MP Chris Bryant, who has called for the Russian billionaire to be sanctioned.
It is understood that trustees will not be expected to consider any bids for Chelsea, even though would-be buyers could theoretically negotiate with them directly.
Abramovich has informed them that the club is not for sale and he has no intention of considering any bids going forward. That, in itself, points to his continued level of power.
The trustees also include Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes, executive director of anti-discrimination group Fare Piara Powar, Sebastian Coe, Paul Ramos, John Devine and Sir Hugh Robertson.
They will keep out of football matters, which is a remarkable position for anyone or group charged with running a football club.
That, instead, will remain the remit of Chelsea’s senior management team, with director Marina Granovskaia, aided by technical and performance adviser Petr Cech, determining the future of manager Thomas Tuchel and transfer business.
Granovskaia is Abramovich’s eyes and ears at Chelsea, advising him on major decisions such as sackings or marquee signings.
The Premier League has not been informed of any change of ownership, which would have to happen if that was Abramovich’s intention.
As it stands, he is still able to invest in the club, but Chelsea have increasingly looked towards a self-sustaining model as they comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. He has made £1.5bn of loans to the club, but is not calling them in.
