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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley

Former Everton sponsor Alisher Usmanov sanctioned by the USA

Former Everton sponsor Alisher Usmanov has now been sanctioned by the United States of America following similar actions from both the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Reuters reported that the United States imposed full blocking sanctions on eight oligarchs and officials, including Mr Usmanov, taking aim at those who have amassed fortunes and political influence through their connections to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The outlet also stated that the U.S. Treasury Department took the rare step of including in what are normally textual news releases, a pair of photos of Mr Usmanov's super-yacht and private jet.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters: “We want (Putin) to feel the squeeze, we want the people around him to feel the squeeze.”

On Thursday it was announced that Everton owner Mr Moshiri had severed all business links with his long-time associate Mr Usmanov.

The Blues majority shareholder stepped down from the board of USM, a Russian holding company that Mr Usmanov founded, after suspending the club’s multiple sponsorship ties with companies associated with the Uzbekistan-born billionaire.

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Everton confirmed on Wednesday they were suspending their sponsorship agreements with Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota with immediate effect having been under increasing pressure to react after Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Usmanov himself responded to his EU sanctions in a statement on the website of the FIE (International Fencing Federation) of which he has been the president since 2008.

He wrote: "On 28 February 2022 I became the target of restrictive measures imposed by the European Union.

“I believe that such decision is unfair, and the reasons employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor (sic), dignity and business reputation.

“I will use all legal means to protect my honor (sic) and reputation.

“I hereby suspend the exercise of my duties as the President of the International Fencing Federation effective immediately until justice is restored.”

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