Roman Abramovich is assisting in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, according to his spokeswoman.
The update comes 40 hours after the Chelsea owner announced that he was transferring the stewardship of the club to the trustees of its charitable foundation, a move described by staff as an attempt to protect and insulate it from criticism and speculation amid Russia’s invasion of a democratic neighbour.
Following the publication of a 110-word statement from Abramovich, the club insisted that the 55-year-old is not involved in politics and does not have a direct link to Russia president Vladimir Putin.
But his spokeswoman this morning said that "Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since."
It is unclear how much influence Abramovich has and the billionaire could not be seen on limited TV coverage broadcast from the talks, which are being held on the Belarus-Ukraine border.
Jewish News reported that film director and businessman Alexander Rodnyansky acted as an intermediary between Ukraine and Abramovich.
Abramovich’s spokeswoman added: “Considering what is at stake, we would ask for your understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement.”
Meanwhile, talks with the Chelsea foundation trustees around the decision to give them day-to-day control of the club were expected to continue today.
At least one of six trustees on the board aired reservations following Saturday night’s announcement, although the head of World Athletics Lord Seb Coe, who sat next to Petr Cech in the directors’ box at Wembley yesterday, has come on board as a seventh figure.
Day to day football decisions will remain the domain of director Marina Granovskaia and Cech, the technical adviser.
As of Monday morning no paperwork has been signed confirming a change of stewardship and it would still see Abramovich remain as sole owner of the club. Staff insist that the decision was not made because of pressure from MPs calling on Abramovich to face sanctions.
Speaking under parliamentary privilege but also on social media, Labour's Chris Bryant has called on the government to seize Abramovich's assets. Chelsea, vehemently denying any links between the owner and Putin, say that he has nothing to deserve being sanctioned.
