Russia vs. Ukraine: UK sanction Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich

The Russian billionaire’s hope to sell the club before the sanctions has been thrown overboard.

The UK government have sanctioned Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich, meaning all his assets have now been frozen by the government.

Abramovich annouced his intention to sell Chelsea last week due to ongoing political tension between Russia and Ukraine. He his believed to have connections with Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin.

Despite interests from many to buy the club, however, the sanctions now mean that the Blues face an uncertain future.

The Chelsea boss has been penalised as part of British government’s sanctions of high-profile Russians who have ties with Vladimir Putin.

A statement issued on Thursday by the HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions reads: “Roman Arkadyevich ABRAMOVICH is a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch.

“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.”

However, despite the sanctions, Chelsea can still be sold but Abramovich would not be entitled to any proceedings from the sale.

Chelsea has also been restricted from selling tickets for matches, meaning only season ticket holders would be allowed to watch matches.

Meanwhile, Chelsea would be issued a “special licence” to hold football matches, hence the sanctions does not affect their football.

Following the news, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a statement which reads: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.

“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.”