The
Chelsea Foundation has reported a "serious incident" to the Charity
Commission before its trustees agree to take over "custody and care" of the
club as requested by owner Roman Abramovich.
Russian billionaire Abramovich issued a 110-word statement on Saturday
following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which did not mention either
country, announcing he would be stepping away from control of Chelsea but
would remain owner.
However, the six trustees want more information about whether running the
club would be compatible with UK charity law and raised their concerns at a
meeting on Sunday.
The foundation's lawyers are now working to see whether what Abramovich is
proposing can actually be put into effect.
The trustees would need to be totally comfortable from a legal point of view
before they assume "control" of the club while Abramovich remains owner.
Who are the Chelsea Foundation trustees?
Bruce Buck, Chelsea chair
John Devine, partner at sports legal firm Muckle LLP
Emma Hayes, Chelsea Women manager
Piara Power, chair of anti-discrimination network FARE
Paul Ramos, Chelsea finance director
Sir Hugh Robertson, former Sports Minister
A statement issued by the Charity Commission on Monday said: "We have
contacted the charity, seeking information and, in line with our guidance,
the charity has also made a report to the commission. We cannot comment
further at this time."
A "serious incident" is defined by the Charity Commission as anything that
represents harm to the charity's beneficiaries, staff, volunteers or others
who come into contact with the charity through its work, loss of the
charity's money or assets, damage to the charity's property, or harm to the
charity's work or reputation.
Abramovich's statement on Saturday was heavily criticised before Chelsea
then released a second, shorter statement 14 hours later on Sunday morning,
saying: "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."
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