Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government, with the 55-year-old billionaire described as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch” who has had close links to Russian president Vladimir Putin “for decades” in an official document published shortly after 9am on Thursday morning.
In the most basic terms, the sanctions mean all his assets including Chelsea have been frozen.
The consequences for the club run deep and there are many outstanding questions just over three weeks since Abramovich, who has vehemently denied any association with Putin, stood pitchside as the club became world champions for the first time.
