Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government – meaning he is now unable to sell the club.
Abramovich has had “his assets frozen, a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions” imposed on him. There is now doubt as to whether he will be able to sell the club due to the restrictions he is under.
Roman Abramovich's assets have been frozen by the UK government, meaning he is unable to sell Chelsea.
▪️ Further ticket sales to home and away fans are prohibited
▪️ Season tickets still valid
▪️ No merchandise sales allowed
▪️ No transfers
▪️ No contract renewals pic.twitter.com/igoCglPrAu— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 10, 2022
The government have granted Chelsea a special license to allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches.
Nadine Dorries, the minister for Sport and Culture, has tweeted: “I know this brings some uncertainty, but the Government will work with the league & clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended. Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We’re committed to protecting them.”
A government statement said: “Given the significant impact that today’s sanctions would have on Chelsea football club and the potential knock on effects of this, the Government has this morning published a licence which authorises a number of football-related activities to continue at Chelsea.
BREAKING | The UK government have said that Roman Abramovich does face a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions. pic.twitter.com/SkUOOskIe7
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 10, 2022
Abramovich has been sanctioned along with six of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential oligarchs, whose business empires, wealth and connections are closely associated with Vladimir Putin’s regime. They have a net worth of £15bn.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.
The Russian, has owned the club since 2003.