Roman Abramovich has reportedly turned to his mega-rich celebrity friends for financial aid after the Russian billionaire’s funds were frozen last month.
The 55 year old oligarch had his assets frozen by the UK government in March, as part of their crackdown on Vladimir Putin ’s associates following the invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich, who has owned Chelsea since 2003, has vehemently denied he has close links with the Russian president, but was still included on a list of UK-based Russian nationals to be sanctioned.
He has subsequently been suspended as a director by the Premier League, with Chelsea forced to trade under a strict operating licence which ensures Abramovich will receive no financial reward from the Premier League club. Prior to him being sanctioned, Abramovich had placed the club up for sale, with a preferred bidder expected to be named in the coming weeks.
