Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government and had his assets frozen in the latest sanctions metted out to Russian oligarchs.
The Russian billionaire was in a hurry to sell off his foreign assets in a bid to avoid sanctions by the British government but as it appears he was not fast enough.
Abramovich released a statement last week where he confirmed that he would be selling the club. However, despite open interest from several prospective buyers, the club was not sold.
HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions released a statement on Thursday imposing the sanctions on Abramovich.
“Roman Arkadyevich ABRAMOVICH (hereafter ABRAMOVICH) is a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch,” part of the statement read.
“ABRAMOVICH is associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom ABRAMOVICH has had a close relationship for decades.
“This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the Government of Russia.
“This includes tax breaks received by companies linked to ABRAMOVICH, buying and selling shares from and to the state at favourable rates, and the contracts received in the run up to the FIFA 2018 World Cup.
“Therefore, ABRAMOVICH has received preferential treatment and concessions from Putin and the Government of Russia.”
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Following the sanctions, Chelsea will be issued with a “special licence” which means all football-related activities, such as Thursday’s clash with Norwich, can still go ahead.
However, the club cannot sell tickets for matches, meaning only season ticket holders will be able to attend games.
The club can continue to play matches under a special ‘Russia Regulations’ licence which also allows their 1,400 staff – including players – to be paid but cannot renew the contracts of their players.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also released a statement following the news of the sanctions.
“There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine,” he said.
“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
“We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”
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