ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is attending peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Belarus, according to reports.
The Chelsea owner’s spokesman said: “I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since.
“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. Thank you.”
On Saturday, Abramovich sensationally gave up control of Chelsea amid the Russian invasion.
The Blues owner – who bought the club in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.
And Chelsea have released a further statement on the conflict.
It read: “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.”
Follow all the latest news on Abramovich’s announcement below..
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Duo back in Conte’s plans
Matt Doherty and Ryan Sessegnon have played themselves back into Antonio Conte’s plans at Tottenham.
Conte said: “He [Doherty] is another player improving, working very hard and improving a lot. He’s a serious guy, I like him.
“If he plays or doesn’t play, his commitment and his attitude are always at the top.
“I think he’s improving a lot and he understands that in this squad he can have an important part for this team.
“I was pleased to see him perform at this level. It was the same for Sessegnon.”
Breaking – Ribery in car crash
Franck Ribery has been involved in a CAR CRASH and will now be forced to skip Salernitana training after suffering a head injury.
The former Bayern Munich winger, 38, is claimed to have been a passenger in a vehicle involved in a road traffic collision.
Ribery is set to miss around a week of action following what the club called a ‘mild head injury’.
Vardy back to boost Foxes
There’s one Premier League game this midweek, but it’s important to matters at the bottom of the table.
Eighteenth-placed Burnley host Leicester on Tuesday evening with the chance to move out of the relegation zone for the first time since September.
However, the Clarets will not be counting their chickens after it was revealed that Jamie Vardy was back in contention for the out-of-form Foxes. The 35-year-old has been out since December with injury.
Speaking earlier this afternoon, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers revealed: “Jamie’s looked sharp in the few days’ training he’s had.
“He’s a proven player with that mentality and to have that back is great. To be able to travel [to Turf Moor] and feature is a huge boost.”
Pep pays tribute to Bielsa
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed sacked Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa as ‘spectacular’, and insists the Argentine will have left a lasting impression on the club.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the midweek FA Cup clash with Peterborough, Guardiola said: “I am so sorry for him. His legacy is there in Leeds’ city and the club, and I am pretty sure with the players.
“Unfortunately as managers, we are subject to results and lately they were not good. But in his four seasons, they was spectacular to watch and I wish him all the best.”
Guardiola has been an admirer of Bielsa since his playing days, and once referred to El Loco as ‘the best manager in the world.’
Fab finish to top four race
The battle to finish in the top four of the Premier League will go down to a dramatic final day shoot-out.
That’s the view of West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who is confident that his team will be involved in the fight for the Champions League until the very end.
Fabianski kept a clean sheet yesterday as the Hammers claimed a much-needed win against one of their rivals for European football, Wolves.
Afterwards he said: “I think if you look at the history of the Premier League it always goes to the last day of the season.
“What we want to do is basically stay in the mix and do our best, to give ourselves the chance to compete for the highest possible position in the table.
Tearful Thiago to be assessed
Liverpool face an anxious wait to discover the extent of Thiago’s hamstring injury sustained in the warm-up just minutes before yesterday’s League Cup Final was due to start.
The Spanish midfielder was then spotted on the bench in tears at the game’s kick-off, having to be consoled by substitute goalkeeper Alisson.
The Reds will be hoping for good news with the player seen as pivotal to the club’s Premier League title challenge.
Thiago was certainly a much happier figure by the end of Sunday’s contest, and was able to participate in the on-field celebrations with his teammates.
Spartak booted out of Europe
Sky Germany are reporting that UEFA are set to kick Spartak Moscow out of this season’s Europa League competition.
The Russian club were due to play RB Leipzig in the Last 16 over two legs next month, but those games will now be cancelled with the Germans advancing to the quarter-finals.
The decision has been made in light of recent events in Ukraine. An official announcement from European football’s governing body is expected this afternoon.
FA quiz flare player Elliott
The Football Association have written to Harvey Elliott for his observations following the celebrations at the end of yesterday’s League Cup Final, in which he was seen handling a red flare.
Elliott was a second half substitute at Wembley, despite not being named in Liverpool’s original squad.
The teenager was called on to the bench minutes before kick-off when starter Thiago pulled out with an injury sustained in the warm-up.
Liverpool Football Club have declined to comment to Sky Sports on the incident.
Roman assisting in peace talks
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly in Belarus to assist in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia over the current conflict.
The bizarre twist comes just days after he gave up control of the London club amid questions over his links to tyrant Vladimir Putin.
However, Abramovich’s spokesman declined to comment on reports he had flown to the country which borders both Ukraine and Russia.
“I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since,” said a spokesman for Abramovich.
“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.”
Buffon extends incredible playing career
Gianluigi Buffon has signed a new contract with Parma that will keep the legendary goalkeeper at the club until 2024.
The 44-year-old is back at the club where he began his astonishing playing career back in 1995, and has now agreed to stay on for a further two seasons.
Buffon spent the best years of his career at Juventus, for whom he made more than 500 league appearances. He also won 176 caps for Italy between 1997 and 2018.
Frustrated Toffees make formal complaint
Everton officials have written to the Premier League to make an official complaint following the decision not to award them a penalty in their game against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Toffees trailed 1-0 when Rodri handled in the box with just a few minutes remaining at Goodison Park.
Referee Paul Tierney waved play on – perhaps understandable given his position on the pitch – but then VAR official Chris Kavanagh somehow upheld the decision.
The Athletic now understands that the club have contacted the league demanding an explanation as well as an apology for Frank Lampard and his players.
Football takes further action against Russia
The game of football continues to react to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine with countries and clubs releasing statements with every hour that passes.
In the past few minutes, the Swiss Football Association has announced that Switzerland will not play any games against Russia – or the Football Union of Russia – until further notice, and that position is non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, Bundesliga 2 club Schalke have revealed that they have ended their partnership with Gazprom prematurely.
The German outfit had already dropped the Russian energy giant as their main shirt sponsors.
Chalobah hits out at Atwell
Many pundits agreed that League Cup referee Stuart Atwell handled yesterday’s frantic final between Chelsea and Liverpool well, but still got one major decision wrong.
The officials, both on field and at Stockley Park, took no action when Naby Keita caught Trevoh Chalobah in the groin with his studs during the second half.
Chalobah certainly felt the full force of Keita’s boot, and was still sore afterwards when he tweeted that he required stitches following the challenge.
The defender added that the ‘referee is right there’ when the incident takes place, leaving him baffled by the lack of punishment for the Liverpool midfielder.
Credit: @TrevohChalobah Twitter Gunners hoping for Saliba extension
Arsenal are preparing an attractive contract for William Saliba in the hope that the highly-rated youngster extends his stay at the Emirates.
Unai Emery brought the centre-back to the Emirates from Saint Etienne in 2019 as part of a £27million deal, but the 20-year-old has yet to make an appearance for the first team.
Instead, Saliba has spent the past two seasons out on loan, where he has impressed for Nice and, this year, Marseille.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that he views the defender as part of his first team plans but, with his current deal due to run out in 2024, may be forced to sell if Saliba doesn’t agree to an extension.
United tracking talented teenager Tino
Manchester United are said to be tracking Southampton’s 19-year-old right-back Tino Livramento.
The teenager has enjoyed an impressive season since Saints raided Chelsea for the defender last summer.
An attack-minded full-back, Livramento has recently regained his place in the Southampton side after a month out with injury.
The right-back spot has troubled Ralf Rangnick since he took charge at Old Trafford with Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof all being tried in the position.
FA confirm Russia games boycott
The Football Association have reiterated that England will not play any games against Russia in the foreseeable future, no matter how the country are labelled.
The announcement comes after FIFA issued a weak statement yesterday that said they would allow Russia to continue to take part in the upcoming World Cup play-offs, but only as the Football Union of Russia, and with no flags or national anthem.
The decision is likely to put the entire World Cup at risk with next month’s opponents, Poland, having already shown their unwillingness to play.
Leeds nearing Jesse Marsch appointment
Leeds United are expected to announce Jesse Marsch as the successor to Marcelo Bielsa later today.
The American coach has been busy finalising his move to Elland Road, and an official announcement is now imminent.
The 48-year-old has been without a club since December, having parted RB Leipzig with them 11th in the Bundesliga.
Marsch was among the frontrunners to take over from Bielsa at Leeds at the end of the season, but a run of just one point from the last six games hastened the need for change.
Pierre-Emerick’s in Aub-some form
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his red-hot form with a goal against Athletic Bilbao yesterday.
The 32-year-old has been on fire since quitting Arsenal for Barcelona last month.
Aubameyang hadn’t featured for the Gunners since December 6 when he made his Deadline Day switch, having been stripped of the Gunners captaincy by Mikel Arteta.
The Gabonese ace hasn’t looked back, however, already bagging five goals in his last three games for his new side.
He scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-1 victory at Valencia, before grabbing another against Napoli in mid-week.
His latest effort set his side on their way to a resounding 4-0 thumping of Athletic Bilbao.
Being Franck on Kessie transfer
Barcelona are reportedly closing in on securing Franck Kessie on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract at AC Milan and has already told them he will not be renewing.
The Ivory Coast midfielder is wanted by several Premier League clubs.
Arsenal were believed to be looking to secure his services as well North London rivals Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton.
But all three look set to be in store for disappointment.
Sport claims Barcelona now looks certain to be his next destination as the ace is ‘unconvinced’ by offers received from England.
Man City’s Haaland boost
Man City have received a boost in the transfer chase for Erling Haaland.
The Citizens and Real Madrid are leading the race for the Norwegian hot-shot’s signature.
Some reports have stated that Haaland had already made his mind up to join Madrid at the end of the season.
Now those rumours have been dashed by Jan Fjortoft, a former international team-mate of the star’s father Alf-Inge and spokesman of the Haaland family.
Speaking to Bild TV, the ex-Premier League striker said: “An agreement with Madrid hasn’t been made.
“Erling Haarland and his team, including his dad, are looking at the situation in minute detail in order to choose where he will play next season.
“They will make the decision based on a number of elements.”
Toon Army on the rise
The big winners at the bottom of the Premier League this weekend were Newcastle United, who moved further away from danger with a 2-0 win at Brentford.
The victory extended United’s unbeaten Premier League run to seven games, their best run of form in the top-flight for a decade.
Bottom of the table in December, Eddie Howe has overseen a remarkable upturn in fortune at St James’ Park with the club now up to 14th and four points clear of the relegation zone.
Only Liverpool have taken more points than Newcastle’s 13 points over the past five games.
Antonio among league’s assist kings
West Ham’s Michail Antonio may be enduring a dry spell in front of goal after his blistering scoring start to the season, but he’s still contributing to the cause as the Hammers push for the top four.
The 31-year-old played a key role in Sunday’s win over Wolves, laying the only goal on a plate for birthday boy Tomas Soucek to slide in from five yards.
In doing so, Antonio took his assists tally for the campaign to seven, putting him among some of the most creative forces in the Premier League.
Antonio has now been directly involved in 15 Premier League goals this term (eight goals and seven assists), his joint-best return in a single season.
Philips: Sign Ward-Prowse
Kevin Philips has urged Mikel Arteta to bring Southampton star James Ward-Prowse to Arsenal.
He told Football Insider: “Ward-Prowse is the sort of player Arsenal need.
“Technically he is a very, very good player and he’s a dead-ball specialist. He’s the sort of player Arteta would love in his squad I imagine.
“Could they get him out of Southampton? That’s the question. He just signed a new deal and I think he’s happy there.
“It would be a big test if Arsenal could knocking though. He could be persuaded to join.
“Ward-Prowse is the sort of player Arsenal need to be looking at in the summer. He’d compliment Partey well and let’s be honest, there’s not many better set-piece takers than him in the world.”
Blues considering surprise Hazard return
Beaten League Cup finalists Chelsea are this morning contemplating a move for former star Eden Hazard, according to Football.London.
The 31-year-old Belgian had endured a torrid time at the Bernabeu since his €100million transfer to Real Madrid in 2019, making only 47 La Liga appearances for the Spanish giants, and scoring just four goals.
Injuries have plagued the forward’s time in Madrid, and it’s now hoped that a loan move back to Stamford Bridge may help to reignite Hazard’s career.
Hazard netted 110 times in 352 games for the Londoners in a seven-year spell, helping them to two Premier League titles.
Overnight round-up
Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick has been linked with striker-light Arsenal while Barcelona could target Eric Bailly.
A summer hunt by the Gunners for proven frontmen is the Premier League’s most predicted transfer line.
And European giants are showing increasing interest in Czech Republic star Schick.
The ex-Roma and Sampdoria ace, 26, has hit 20 Bundesliga goals this season.
Emirates boss Mikel Arteta could lose Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah at the end of the season after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed for Barcelona.
And Schick might well be a cheaper option than other possible Arsenal targets.
Those include Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Real Sociedad ace Alexander Isak and Everton’s England attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Meanwhile, Barca are said to be monitoring Manchester United’s fourth-choice centre-back Bailly.
It comes as Ajax chief Erik ten Hag became an even hotter favourite for the permanent United boss job at the end of the season.
Finally, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel took the rap for sub keeper Kepa’s shootout woe as Liverpool won the Carabao Cup.
The Reds triumphed 11-10 on penalties after a 0-0 draw, with Kepa failing to save any spot-kicks before missing the last one.
Tuchel said: “No blame on him. Blame on me. This is life as a football coach who does substitutions.
“I feel bad for him. We took the decision, like we did last time in a shootout because Kepa is training with the outfield players on a daily basis at penalties.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
