Roman Abramovich reportedly transferred control of a multi-million pound business to a Chelsea director on the day Russia launched their invasion of Ukraine.
The Blues owner, who has subsequently put the Premier League giants up for sale has always strenuously denied he has a close relationship with President Vladimir Putin, but was added to the UK Government’s sanctions list on March 10. The move saw the 55-year-old’s assets frozen, with Chelsea forced to operate under a strict new operating licence.
It has since been determined that Abramovich will be allowed to sell the club, but in a way which will ensure the Russian billionaire receives no financial income from the sale. But Britain was slower in implementing sanctions on Russian oligarchs based in the country than their US and European counterparts, with lawmakers suggesting it was giving individuals time to move their assets before curbs were announced.
