Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea football club by the Premier League.
The 55-year-old was added to the United Kingdom's sanctioned individuals list as the government froze his assets on Thursday following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a move to derail his attempts to offload the club.
And now the Premier League have taken the decision to disqualify the Blues owner as director of the club.
A Premier League statement read: "Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK Government, the Premier League Board has disqualified Roman Abramovich as a Director of Chelsea Football Club.
"The Board’s decision does not impact on the club’s ability to train and play its fixtures, as set out under the terms of a licence issued by the Government which expires on 31 May 2022."
The UK government welcomed the news, adding: "We need to hold to account those who have enabled the Putin regime. We are open to a sale of the club and would consider an application for a licence to allow that to happen."
Abramovich announced he was ready to put Chelsea up for sale, ending his 19-year tenure at Stamford Bridge amid calls for Russian oligarchs living abroad to face repercussions in the wake of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
But the government's intervention has put that on hold to stop Abramovich from profiting from any potential sale.
He has previously said that proceeds of any sale would be donated to victims of war.
The government has issued a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket-holders to attend matches.
Chelsea will be unable to buy or sell players or offer new contracts, while the sanctions are imposed on Abramovich.
Chelsea's shirt sponsor, Three, has requested that the west Londoners "temporarily suspend" its deal with the club.
Three has asked for "the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice".
The company added: "We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately.
"However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do."
Chelsea's sale may still proceed, however, after a deal was struck with government officials. It's claimed Abramovich has instructed The Raine Group - the merchant bank overseeing the sale - to continue the process of finding a buyer and completing a takeover.
