Chelsea’s dressing room were left shocked by the shock statement delivered by Roman Abramovich on Saturday.
In a rare personal address, the Blues owner wrote 109 words to describe his latest actions that will see him hand over the club’s stewardship to its charitable foundation.
But it has stirred confusion with many questions left unanswered while Abramovich remains as Chelsea owner.
It comes after calls from parliament for the Russian to have his assets stripped - including the west London outfit - amid Vladimir Putin ’s invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea are keen to ensure that the club’s image is not damaged by their association to the Russian leader.
There has been widespread outrage directed towards Putin since Russia began its attacks; Poland are refusing to play in Moscow in a World Cup qualifier next month.
Abramovich’s decision came as a shock to Chelsea players who only found out while training.
Indeed, according to Goal, Thomas Tuchel was only told during training on Saturday that a ‘major announcement’ was set to come on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday.
Questions have arose over whether Chelsea are up for sale but the club insist that it is not and will not be.
The day-to-day operations have not changed, with Marina Granovskaia, one of Abramovich’s closest advisers, to continue in her role as director of Chelsea.
Club legend and technical and performance advisor Petr Cech will also be close to Granoskaia in terms of decision-making with contracts and transfers this summer.
Abramovich has handed over the runnings to Chelsea’s charitable foundation, who count John Devine, Emma Hayes, Piara Powar, Paul Ramos and Sir Hugh Robertson as its trustees.
The statement 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."
