Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government on Thursday, putting the Stamford Bridge club’s future into doubt.
Here, the PA news agency looks at what’s happened and what’s next for the Blues.
What has happened to Abramovich?
1/ 4?Putin’s attack on Ukraine continues & we are witnessing new levels of evil by the hour. Today the Government has announced further sanctions against individuals linked to the Russian Government. This list includes Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea Football Club.
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) March 10, 2022
The UK Government has imposed sanctions on Abramovich as “a person who is/has been involved in destabilising Ukraine”, in the wake of Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government believe Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich has had a “close relationship for decades” with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin. Abramovich has always denied those links.
What does that mean for Chelsea?
There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s invasion.
Today’s sanctions are the latest step in our ruthless pursuit of those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of Ukraine.https://t.co/VCwRnsvEps pic.twitter.com/1cj2XVVpWi
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 10, 2022
Chelsea would have been frozen just like Abramovich’s other UK assets, but for a special licence granted by the government to allow the Stamford Bridge club to keep operating.
What’s in store for Chelsea’s future?
Statement from Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 2, 2022
Abramovich put the club up for sale on March 2, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A sale could still happen despite the sanctions against Abramovich however, but that will require special government dispensation.
So how would a sale of Chelsea work now?
Can Chelsea keep playing matches?
What about transfers?
How will this affect supporters?
