Britain freezes assets and imposes travel ban on Roman Abramovich, allows Chelsea to continue playing
India Today
The British government on Thursday imposed sanctions on more wealthy Russians, including Chelsea's billionaire opener Roman Abramovich. He is barred from visiting the UK. and transactions with UK individuals and businesses.
The British government said on Thursday that Premier League club Chelsea can continue competing despite the sanctions imposed on its Russian owner Roman Abramovich following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Britain imposed a travel ban and asset freezes on more wealthy Russians, including Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Chelsea. The government added that Abramovich’s assets are frozen, he is banned from visiting the UK. and he is barred from transactions with UK individuals and businesses.
"The licence (of Chelsea) will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities," the government said, according to news agency AP. Also added to the UK sanctions list are industrialist Oleg Deripaska and Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin.
Only last week Roman Abramovich said he was keen on selling Chelsea and that decision was in the best interests of the reigning European and world champions. He promised to donate money from the sale to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
Abramovich bought the West London club in 2003 for a reported 140 million pounds and his investment contributed hugely to the most successful era in the team's history as they won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League twice.
Abramovich had said in his statement that he intended to visit Stamford Bridge, the home ground of Chelsea, and bid goodbyes to the club after the sale.
Swiss business tycoon Hansjoerg Wyss told a newspaper that he was considering buying Chelsea from Abramovich, who over the weekend said he was stepping back from running the club but made no mention of any plans to change its ownership.
