CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government – blocking the sale of the club for now.
The billionaire Russian oligarch will have all his assets frozen, be banned from coming to Britain and from doing any business here.
Chelsea will be granted a special licence to continue playing but Abramovich will be deprived of any profits.
Under a cloud of Putin cronyism he put the club on the market last week and vowed to put the proceeds towards the Ukrainian conflict.
But today’s fresh round of sanctions will likely prevent a sale from happening.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said Blues fans will “obviously” be impacted but assured them their fixtures and tickets are safe.
She said: “Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We’re committed to protecting them.”
Abramovich is among seven Putin cronies sanctioned today to keep twisting the thumbscrews on Russia for waging a cruel war on Ukraine.
By far the most notorious oligarch, Abramovich has a net worth of £9.4billion and owns a multimillion Kensington mansion.
He bought Chelsea in 2003 but has not attended a match at Stamford Bridge for a while.
His once business partner Oleg Deripaska – an energy tycoon worth £2billion – has also been sanctioned today.
Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.
“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
“We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”
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