Roman Abramovich sanctioned by UK government, with English Premier League club Chelsea among assets frozen

Britain has imposed a travel ban and asset freezes on seven more wealthy Russians, including Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Premier League soccer club Chelsea.

The government said that Mr Abramovich's assets — including Premier League club Chelsea — had been frozen.

Mr Abramovich, 55, has also been banned from visiting the UK and is barred from transactions with UK individuals and businesses.

The government said it would allow Chelsea to continue playing matches despite the sanctions being imposed.

Mr Abramovich had put the club up for sale, but under the asset freeze, that process must be halted.

Sports Minister Nadine Dorries said the UK government had issued a special licence to enable Chelsea to play fixtures, pay staff and enable their current season ticket holders — of which there are around 30,000 — to attend matches.

Ms Dorries said this was so the measures would not harm the reigning European and club world champions.

«I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended,» she said on Twitter.

«Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We're committed to protecting them.»

The club will, however, be unable to sell any other match day tickets for their 41,837-capacity Stamford Bridge Stadium.

The government said the licence would be kept under review.

The BBC reported that the Premier League had been told of the measures just 15 minutes before the announcement.

Mr Abramovich said last week he was trying to sell Chelsea as the threat of sanctions loomed.

In total, Britain said the seven figures, added to the sanctions list because of their connections to Russian President