Chelsea in crisis as Abramovich sanctioned by UK government

Robin Bairner

• 10 Mar 2022 08:54 CST
• 4 min read

Chelsea have been plunged into crisis by the UK government's decision to sanction owner Roman Abramovich.

He is one of seven oligarchs who have had their assets frozen and travel limited. It promises to have huge implications for the Stamford Bridge side.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "there can be no safe havens" for those who have supported the invasion.

"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," he added.

The Blues owner had hoped to sell the club, but it has become evident that will not be possible.

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In addition, Chelsea will not be able to make any transfers while these sanctions are in place. It also means that they will not be able to renew the contracts of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Furthermore, Chelsea fans will not be able to buy tickets for games, with only season ticket holders gaining access to Stamford Bridge. Merchandise sales have also been banned.

UK government targeting Russia

A statement from the UK government reads: "These sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s response to Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion, designed to ensure he fails in Ukraine by crippling Russia’s economy supporting his war machine.

"The UK has been at the forefront of this effort, shutting out large proportions of whole sectors of the Russian economy, such as its defence industry, its financial institutions and its transport sector.

"The UK has already sanctioned more than 200 of Russia’s most significant and high-value individuals, entities and subsidiaries since the invasion, with over 500 of them now covered by the UK’s sanctions list."

How Chelsea responded to Abramovich sanctions

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon local time, Chelsea said: "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 to do so."

Chelsea are set to be collateral damage in the UK government's sanctions against Abramovich, with their very future now apparently hanging in the balance.