Chelsea Football Club can no longer be sold by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich who has been sanctioned by the UK government
Lawmakers in the UK named Abramovich as one of the ‘key-enablers’ of Vladimir Putin’s government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
There are severe implications for Chelsea as the club can only operate under a special licence following the decision

The owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government which has now posed a threat to the English Premier League outfit, BBC Sport reports.

All UK assets owed by the Russian-Israeli billionaire have been frozen, meaning his initial attempt to sell off the club can no longer happen.

The businessman who faces sanction for being a ‘key-enabler’ of Vladimir Putin’s government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had put Chelsea up for sale.

The 55-year-old is believed to be looking for a quick sale of the Blues and has slammed a £4 billion price tag on Chelsea as legislators ordered for the billionaire’s assets to be seized since Russia declared war on Ukraine as many believe he is a strong ally to Vladimir Putin.

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Abramovich was named among seven oligarchs and politicians to be added to the UK's sanctions list.

In a statement Thursday, the UK government said Abramovich has had "his assets frozen, a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions imposed."

What are the implications for Chelsea?

1. Club cannot be sold

2. No more ticket sales

3. No more merchandise sales

4. No new contract extensions

5. No new transfers in or out

6. Salaries will be paid

7. Season tickets are still valid as already sold

Abramovich faces jail term

Meanwhile, Roman Abramovich's chances of returning to his home country of Russia might be in jeopardy after the billionaire called the invasion of Ukraine a war.

Russia had mounted over the military invasion of Ukraine with what President Vladimir Putin describes as Russia denazifying the country.

Russia’s parliament introduced new laws against the spreading of fake news about the activities in Ukraine which is punishable by jail terms of up to 15 years.

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Who are the richest PL club owners?

Sports Brief earlier reported that most of the richest Premier League owners are billionaire businessmen from the United States, China, the Middle East and Russia.

In 2021, the Newcastle football club takeover broke the internet after the premier league owners were valued over 20 times higher than Manchester City's. The city's owners were valued as the highest before the Magpies' takeover.

According to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, the fund is said to have assets of over $430 billion.

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