Sanctions against Abramovich see restrictions imposed on Chelsea
by: ROB HARRIS, Associated Press
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LONDON (AP) — Unprecedented restrictions were placed on Chelsea’s ability to operate by the British government on Thursday after owner Roman Abramovich was targeted by sanctions.
Abramovich was among seven wealthy Russians whose assets were frozen by the government. This freezes his ability to sell Chelsea, announced last week after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The government has issued what it calls a “special licence” to ensure Chelsea can continue to play and staff can be paid. But the club will not be able to sell new tickets to fans or sell merchandise.
This is to ‘deprive Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership of the club’, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries tweeted. “I know it brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and the clubs to keep playing football while ensuring that the sanctions hit those that are intended. Football clubs are cultural assets and the foundation of our communities, and we are committed to protecting them.
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