Abramovich has recently put Chelsea up for sale
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as a result of his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich is one of several high-profile Russians with interests in the UK who has been named in a government report and will have all his assets frozen.
Massive news: Roman Abramovich sanctioned. All UK assets frozen. Chelsea can still operate under a special licence but sale now on hold. Club will not be allowed to sell any more tickets – only season ticket holders can go to games for the foreseeable future.
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 10, 2022
A statement from the report explained the decision to freeze Abramovich’s assets. It read: “Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich hereafter 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.”
Also: no merchandise sales allowed; no player transfers or new contracts; catering services will be permitted.
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 10, 2022
It follows after Abramovich recently announced his intentions to sell Chelsea after almost two decades of ownership in fear that he may be sanctioned.
The report states that the sanctions imposed on Abramovich will not directly affect his intentions to sell the club as he waits to find a preferred bidder to take the reins at Stamford Bridge and that Chelsea will continue to operate.
A spokesperson from the government said: “To ensure the club can continue to compete & and operate we are issuing a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches while, crucially, depriving Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership.”
Govt: "To ensure the club can continue to compete & and operate we are issuing a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches while, crucially, depriving Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership"
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) March 10, 2022
Chelsea are set to play Norwich City at Carrow Road on Thursday night.
🚨 | Chelsea can continue playing matches and other football related activities which in turn will protect the Premier League, wider football pyramid, loyal fans and other clubs. pic.twitter.com/CxyzrJZ3MJ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 10, 2022
🚨 | To ensure the #CFC can continue to operate, a special license will be issued to allow, fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches. pic.twitter.com/3o92VKHMoG
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 10, 2022
