MPs seize control of Chelsea after British government sanctions owner Abramovich

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (right) celebrates winning the Premiership title in 2005 with Frank Lampard (centre) and skipper John Terry (left). It was the second trophy of the Russian's ownership. Since then, Chelsea teams have won 19 more pieces of silverware including two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, two Europa Leagues and the Club World Cup. AP - Jon Super

European champions Chelsea effectively came under the control of the British government on Thursday after the club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich was placed under sanctions.

Abramovich, 55, had been under scrutiny since Russia's president Vladimir Putin ordered his country's armed forces into Ukraine on 24 February.