ROMAN Abramovich is being hit with sanctions from the UK Government over his ties to Vladimir Putin as Russian forces are accused of war crimes in Ukraine.
The Chelsea FC owner’s assets are to be frozen and he is also facing a travel ban under updated sanction published on Thursday.
The Government document says he has had a “close relationship for decades” with the Russian president, something Abramovich has denied.
“This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the government of Russia,” it says.
Oleg Deripaska, an industrialist worth £2 billion who has had close links with the British political establishment, is also hit along with five others in the updated sanctions list.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.
“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.”
Putin is being accused by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “genocide” in Ukraine following a string of attacks on civilian populations.
The UK sanctions throw into doubt Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea. The 55-year-old put the club up for sale on March 2 in the wake of Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and has always staunchly denied any current political links to Russia’s ruling elite.
Chelsea will be given a special licence to continue operation, but the sale of the Stamford Bridge club is now on hold.
The shape of Chelsea’s long-term future has naturally been thrown into doubt, but Government ministers were quick to insist any damage would be limited.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries announced on Twitter: “Our priority is to hold those who have enabled the Putin regime to account.
“Today’s sanctions obviously have a direct impact on Chelsea and its fans. We have been working hard to ensure the club & the national game are not unnecessarily harmed by these important sanctions.
“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 of the club.
“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.”
British billionaire Nick Candy was the latest high-profile business magnate to throw their hat into the ring for Chelsea’s sale, amid a host of suitors for the Champions League holders.
Swiss tycoon Hansjorg Wyss and American investor Todd Boehly were also in the running, with more than 10 credible parties understood to have been compiling bids.
The Chelsea squad will continue to prepare for Thursday’s Premier League clash at Norwich as normal, but everyone at the club will now set about examining the details of the current situation.
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