Roman Abramovich’s shock decision to hand over the stewardship of Chelsea has raised more questions than it has answered.
As of Monday morning, control of Chelsea remained in doubt with trustees of the club’s charitable foundation still to agree to take over the running of the European champions.
There remain questions over their proposed new roles at Stamford Bridge and the legality of a sudden shift from a charity to the running of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
It has also raised questions about Abramovich’s long-term plans, despite insistence from sources close to him that he has no intention of selling.
Here, we try to answer some of the key questions hanging over Chelsea following Saturday’s stunning announcement.
Is the club for sale?
As far as Chelsea are concerned, absolutely not.
Sources close to Abramovich not only insist he remains as committed as ever to owning the club, but the board of trustees will not be expected to field, consider or forward any bids from would-be buyers because a decision not to sell remains.
Whether that would be the case if his resolve is tested, is another question.
Who would be interested in Chelsea?
There has been plenty of interest in the past and over the weekend there was fresh speculation about potential bids from US investors and private equity firms.
Previously, American billionaire Todd Boehly was linked with a takeover, along with Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Figures in the region of $3bn have been mentioned in the past in terms of valuations of the club.
Who are the trustees?
Chairman Bruce Buck, Chelsea women manager Emma Hayes, executive director of anti-discrimination group Fare Piara Powar, Sebastian Coe, Paul Ramos, John Devine and Sir Hugh Robertson.
What will their powers be?
That appears to be a major sticking point.
They will make, what sources are claiming, significant decisions that will include finances as well as the general running of the club.
But they will not be in charge of football matters.
Likewise, they will not make any decisions over the ownership of the club because Abramovich is adamant he will not sell.
So it is not clear exactly what power they will hold, which is among the questions they are asking before agreeing to the stewardship.
Who will look after the football side?
That will be in the remit of the senior management team, which remains in place.
Director Marina Granovskaia will continue to lead football operations, assisted by technical advisor Petr Cech.
They will determine the future of Thomas Tuchel as well as transfer strategy.
While it was Abramovich who made the ultimate call on hiring and firing, it was done with advice from Granovskaia.
Under the new system, it is claimed those decisions will now fall to Granovskaia.
Could Abramovich resume control?
Yes. There is no time-frame on his decision to take a step back and, as owner, he reserves the right to return.
There is no suggestion that this is a permanent move.
Can Abramovich still invest?
Yes. He is the owner and can continue to fund the club when required. But there has been a move to become more self-sufficient and that is expected to carry on.
What happens if he is sanctioned?
He has not been sanctioned.
But should that happen, all bets are off.
It depends entirely on what sanctions he would be hit, but the fact that he is still the owner of Chelsea would suggest even his decision to step back would not insulate them from the impact.
