Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned by UK government

Chelsea football club owner, Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government for his links to the Kremlin.

Abramovich has been trying to sell Chelsea FC since the invasion of Ukraine last month.

He is among seven of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential oligarchs sanctioned by the UK government, in an attempt to punish the allies of Russian president, Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine.

Roman Abramovich was found by the UK government to have “received preferential treatment and concessions” from the Kremlin and through his business links been “involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence” of the eastern European country.

Boris Johnson said the move was a demonstration of the UK’s “unwavering support for the Ukrainian people”. The prime minister added that; “We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals, and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”

The sanctions on Abramovich will surely have some repercussions for Chelsea Football Club.

The culture secretary – Nadine Dorries confirmed that a special licence has been issued, to allow games to be played, staff to be paid, and for existing ticket holders to attend matches. In order to deprive Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership of the club.

“I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs, to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended,” she added.