Chelsea chief Petr Cech avoids condemning Russia amid Roman Abramovich criticism

Petr Cech has spoken out on the crisis unfolding in Ukraine but stopped short of condemning Russia's actions amid criticism aimed at Chelsea over their recent statements.

The Blues' technical adviser was questioned before the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday, just hours after Roman Abramovich announced he would handing over "stewardship" of the club to Chelsea's charitable foundation.

Abramovich's position has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks due to his alleged links with Russia president Vladimir Putin - claims he has previously denied.

It was thought the Blues' owner would be one of those to face sanctions from the UK government in a crackdown on Putin's allies, but Abramovich has so far escaped any restrictions.

However, his decision to step down from duties at Chelsea has come under fire, with the club refusing to condemn Putin or Russia's invasion despite stating: "Everyone at the club is praying for peace."

What are your thoughts on Chelsea's statements amid the conflict in Ukraine? Have your say in the comments below.

There was no mention of Russia or Putin in Abramovich's initial statement, released on Saturday evening, in which he handed over care of Chelsea to its trustees, concluding: "I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."

After widespread criticism for his failure to address the persistent links with Putin, Chelsea then released a separate statement on Sunday morning, again ignoring Russia and its leader.

"The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating," it read. "Chelsea FC's thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace."

Now Chelsea chief Cech has taken a similar line with his comments prior to the Carabao Cup final.

"We cannot deny that there is a conflict in the war in Europe which affects every human being," he told Sky Sports, after being asked whether Abramovich's statement had been a distraction.

"Every human being has their thoughts with those affected, it's the same with our club, we hope that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible," he added.

"As a club we prepare for the game and try to do things as normal as possible for the players but you are right, it is a distraction, not just for the players but for everybody around the world."

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was among those left unimpressed by Abramovich's statement as he laid into the oligarch during Sunday's coverage.

"One of the smartest things that I think Roman Abramovich has done the last 20 years is not speak, not make statements because the statement he made last night left questions then answers," Neville said.

"In fact, if anything I thought it was to be fair a cowardly approach to sort of throw a hospital pass to good people on the charitable and foundation board when it's quite clear he runs the club with Marina and Petr Cech on the football side. Thomas Tuchel's just made it clear.

"These owners of the top six clubs are insulated from reality. They think they can put a smart PR team around them and con us with fancy words but unfortunately it doesn't work and, no, there's no way the charitable foundation at Chelsea are running the club and I'm not quite sure why Roman Abramovich made that statement.

"If he wanted to make a statement of any note it would of been whether he supports the war at Ukraine or he actually doesn't support the war at Ukraine."