LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

End of the Roman empire

Roman Abramovich has confirmed he is selling Chelsea.

Abramovich, 55, has found himself under intense scrutiny since Russia invaded Ukraine.

And the Russian billionaire has now made the decision to part ways with the club he purchased in 2003. 

In a statement released on Chelsea's website, he said: "I would like to address the speculation in the media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. 

"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. 

"In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club. I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners. 

"The sale will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. 

"This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club. 

"Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. 

"This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery. 

"Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make and it pains me to part with the club in this manner. 

"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. 

"Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart."

Everton take a stand

Everton have suspended their commercial sponsorship arrangements with Russian companies owned by Alisher Usmanov.

The Russian billionaire, 68, has had his assets frozen by the EU. 

Usmanov-owned USM Holdings sponsors Everton's training ground and Usmanov also has an exclusive naming-rights option on the club's new stadium, which is due to open in time for the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Why the silence?

Toffees ace Vitaliy Mykolenko has criticised Russia skipper Artem Dzyuba and his international team-mates for not speaking out over their country's invasion of Ukraine. 

The Ukrainian international, 22, switched to Merseyside from Dynamo Kyiv for £18million last month.

And he did not hold back when giving his opinion on the war raging in his homeland. Writing on Instagram, he said: "Whilst you b***h and your c**p footballers are silent, @artem.dzyuba, civilians are being killed in Ukraine. 

"You and most importantly your children will be locked in your s***hole for your whole life. And I am sincerely happy for it. You will never be forgiven."

Conte takes it on the chin

Antonio Conte was humble in defeat after Middlesbrough sent Tottenham crashing out of the FA Cup last night. 

Boro took their Premier League opponents to extra-time before Josh Coburn grabbed the only goal of the game in the 107th minute. 

And Conte, who saw his side hammer Leeds 4-0 last weekend, said: "First of all, it is important to say that Middlesbrough played a good game. They deserve respect and I congratulate them for the win. 

"We have to reflect on our performance and the game we played. These type of games, in these trophies away from home, you have to try to kill the game quickly.

"If you give them hope, they will take confidence and improve during the game. Middlesbrough deserved to go to the next round."

Conte, 52, will hope Tottenham bounce back when they host Everton in the Premier League on Monday. 

A Wild night at the Riverside

Chris Wilder was full of praise for the Middlesbrough faithful after his side added Spurs to their list of FA Cup scalps. 

Championship Boro beat Manchester United on penalties in the fourth round and booked their place in the quarter-finals by humbling the North Londoners. 

And Wilder wasted little time in highlighting the role that home advantage played in the 1-0 victory. 

The Boro boss said: "I can't [explain it]. In between the win at Manchester United and here we got turned over at Barnsley. 

"The supporters gave us the energy to produce a top performance.

"We are delighted be in the next round, I would love it to be a home tie. It would be a great reward for everybody who has followed this football club."