Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned.

In a document released by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, it reveals the Russian is “associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades.”

Last week, he announced his intention to sell Chelsea Football Club who he had owned for almost 20 years.

But now, his assets – including Chelsea – have been frozen and the sale won’t be able to take place.

Chelsea have been given a special licence to continue with football-related activities but the sale of the club is now impossible.

That’s unless Abramovich allows the UK government to take control of the process and he recieves nothing from the sale.

BREAKINGRoman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the Government and his asserts – including Chelsea Football Club – have been frozenChelsea have been given a special licence to continue with football related activities but the sale effectively bars the sale of the club

In addition, the club won’t be allowed to sell any more tickets and only season ticket holders can go to matches. They also won’t be able to sell any merchandise, sign any new players, offer any current players new contracts or sell any players.

In addition, ‘Russia regulations’ prohibits Chelsea from spending more than £20,000 on any away game – which means their away trip to Lille next week becomes extremely problematic.

The players and staff will still be paid.

Massive news: Roman Abramovich sanctioned. All UK assets frozen. Chelsea can still operate under a special licence but sale now on