Chelsea have confirmed that Bruce Buck will step down as chairman at the end of the month, after 19 years in the role.
The new comes just three weeks after it was owned by Todd Boelli, who replaced Roman Abramovich after a long saga in which the Russian oligarch was sanctioned by the UK government for his close ties to President Vladimir Putin.
The government has called on the Blues to relinquish long-standing ties to Abramovich and Buck was appointed chairman at the start of the Russian’s ownership of the club.
In a statement on Chelsea’s official website, he said: “I am proud to have helped Chelsea achieve great success on the pitch and to have a positive impact on the community.
“Now is the time to step down and let the new property build on the solid foundations we have.
“The owners have a fascinating vision for Chelsea’s future and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role, along with our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters.”
Chelsea have confirmed that President Bruce Buck will step down
The news comes just three weeks after Todd Boelli (right) became the new owner of Chelsea
Although he is stepping down as chairman, Buck will continue to support the club as a senior adviser in the future.
In a statement, Boelli thanked Buck for his work in the role.
He said: “Bruce has taken Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport. We thank Bruce for his service and dedication to the club.
Although he has resigned as chairman, he will continue to support the club as a senior adviser
Buck was a close associate of Roman Abramovich (left), who sold the club after being sanctioned by the UK government for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich’s sanction caused several problems for Chelsea off the field before taking over
Buck, along with director Marina Granovskaya, played significant roles in the takeover of Boehly, which raised eyebrows as the two closest aides to Russian oligarch Abramovich.
It is said that their position at the club is uncertain due to the takeover of Boehly, but there is still no change in the position of Granovskaya at Stamford Bridge.
However, the German newspaper Bild reported that she could leave the club in August after one last transfer window with the club.
Buck was seen sitting next to Boelli before the end of the takeover, in matches at the end of last season.
During Buck’s time at the club, Chelsea consolidated their status as one of the most successful clubs in the world, winning 18 major trophies.
Buck’s departure raises questions about the future of director Marina Granovskaya, who, like the 76-year-old, was a close aide to Abramovich during the Stamford Bridge Russian
The Chelsea statement also said: “The club (led by Buck) has also significantly increased its sales revenue, set up world-class training facilities in Cobham and developed one of the best youth academies in football.
In 2010, Buck, as trustee and chairman, helped establish the Chelsea FC Foundation, which supports a wide range of initiatives, including increasing access to youth athletics, conducting education and employment programs, and campaigns to combat discrimination. . “
Chelsea was a club in turmoil off the pitch amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea are expected to have a busy summer under the leadership of Boelli after taking over the American
Manchester City star Rahim Stirling is one of several Chelsea players
The sanctioning of Abramovich meant that the club could not sell tickets for the day of the match, negotiate new contracts for players or work on signing new additions to the team.
Thomas Tuchel’s team, which finished third in the league last season, is expected to be led by American Boelli this summer.
As Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left this summer, while Cesar Aspilicueta, Romelu Lukaku and Marcos Alonso could follow the exit door.
Chelsea are linked to people like Rahim Stirling and Usman Dembele, while Jules Kund could be recruited to strengthen their defense.
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