Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government and had his assets frozen – including Chelsea Football Club.
Abramovich is one of seven Russian oligarchs to be targeted with new sanctions, which also include travel bans, in connection with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move, announced on Thursday morning, means Abramovich’s planned sale of Chelsea, one of the top football teams in Europe, has been put on hold. The club is now prevented from signing players, agreeing new contracts, or even selling new tickets or merchandise.
The British government has given the club a special licence allowing it to fulfil this season’s remaining fixtures and pay staff. But only existing ticket holders will be allowed into games.
Abramovich is worth an estimated £10bn and owns a £150m London mansion, two super-yachts and multiple private jets. Chelsea FC is estimated to be worth £2.4bn.
