UK Government Sanctions Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich

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Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich is one of seven Russian businessmen whose assets have been frozen by the UK government.

The seven men have been added to the sanctions list due to their personal connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and are estimated to be worth a combined £15 billion.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the backlash against Russian oligarchs, Abramovich announced that he was putting Chelsea up for sale and would donate the proceeds to victims of the conflict.

Under the sanctions, Abramovich will no longer be able to sell the club.

A special licence has been granted to allow Chelsea to continue to play football, however they can no longer sell tickets or merchandise. Fans who have already purchased tickets, along with season ticket holders, will still be allowed to attend games.

"I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended," Britain's Sports Minister Nadine Dorries said. "Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We're committed to protecting them."

"There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin's vicious assault on Ukraine," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said of the latest round of sanctions. "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."

Johnson's government has faced criticism since the start of the invasion for its reluctance to sanction UK-based Russian oligarchs with ties to Putin.
 

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