Chelsea have released an official statement following the news that owner Roman Abramovich has been hit with heavy sanctions earlier today.
Abramovich had already announced plans to sell the club following the sanctions which have recently been placed upon his native Russia for the role which they have played in the war against the Ukraine but it was announced earlier today that the UK Government have now hit him with personal sanctions as they come down hard on his assets.
The Russian billionaire is now restricted from making any money from Chelsea FC while the club have been given a licence to continue ‘football-related activity’. It has been reported that the club are currently unable to trade in their megastore, sell tickets or agree new contracts with players. Chelsea have also been placed under a transfer ban. The restrictions are currently believed to affect both the men’s and women’s teams.
Chelsea have this afternoon issued a statement confirming that both their men’s and women’s fixtures this evening will go ahead while the club plan to discuss their normal operations with the UK Government in the near future.
The statement read:
Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government.
By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich. However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.
We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence. This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the Club to operate as normal as possible. We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.
The club will update further when it is appropriate.
Chelsea’s men’s and women’s sides are next scheduled to play home fixtures on Sunday. The current sanctions mean that admission to these games will be for season ticket holders only.
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