Chelsea: Bruce Buck to step down after 19 years as chairman

Chelsea: Bruce Buck to step down after 19 years as chairman
_124656531_gettyimages-1395920893.jpgBruce Buck (left) and Todd Boehly watched Chelsea's Premier League game against Wolves together in May

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck is to step down from his role on 30 June.

The 76-year-old American, who had been chairman since Roman Abramovich became owner in 2003, will continue to support the club as a "senior adviser".

It had been thought that Buck would remain chairman after a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly completed its takeover in May.

"Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place," he said.

"The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea's future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters."

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich said in March that he planned to sell the Premier League club, shortly before being sanctioned by the UK government for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The sanctions included Chelsea being placed under a transfer embargo and the club operated under a special licence, which allowed the sale to go ahead.

During Buck's chairmanship, the Chelsea men's team claimed 18 major honours and the women's team won 12.

"I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community," he added.

Co-owner Boehly said that Buck had "led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football" and thanked him for "his service and his commitment to the club".

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