Roman Abramovich
The boss of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, has got the big stick from the UK government as his assets have been frozen. In the same vein, he is being prohibited from transactions with UK individuals and businesses as well as a travel ban and transport sanctions all imposed on him.
Sky Sports and other relevant media outlets revealed that the sanctions were intended to stop the 55-year-old from making any money in the UK, including Chelsea.
An application to the UK government can be made to sell Chelsea in the future as long as Abramovich does not profit or make any money from the transaction.
Said Nadine Dorries, minister for Sports and Culture while confirming this in a tweet: “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. Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We’re committed to protecting them”.
Read a government statement: “Given the significant impact that today’s sanctions would have on Chelsea Football Club and the potential knock-on effects of this, the Government has this morning published a licence which authorises a number of football-related activities to continue at Chelsea.
“This includes permissions for the club to continue playing matches and other football-related activity which will in turn protect the Premier League, the wider football pyramid, loyal fans and other clubs. This licence will only allow certain explicitly named actions to ensure the designated individual is not able to circumvent UK sanctions. The licence will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities”.
