UK sanctions Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

By Amy Woodyatt and Niamh Kennedy, CNN

Updated 1035 GMT (1835 HKT) March 10, 2022

Owner of Chelsea Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as part of efforts to «isolate» Russian president Vladimir Putin.

(CNN)The UK has added Russian oligarch and Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich to its list of sanctioned individuals as part of its efforts to «isolate» Russian President Vlamidir Putin — throwing the sale of the London club into doubt.

In a statement Thursday, the UK government said it was adding seven further oligarchs and politicians — including Abramovich — to its list of sanctioned individuals. Abramovich announced this month he plans to sell Chelsea, as it is «in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club's sponsors and partners.» This came after he declared he gave «stewardship» of the club over to trustees of the club's charitable foundation.But the new sanctions will see his assets frozen and will prohibit «transactions with UK individuals and businesses,» the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a statement Thursday. The billionaire will also face a travel ban forbidding him to enter the UK.Vladimir Putin: The world of sport has shunned the Russian president. So what?According to the UK government, Chelsea will be given a special license to continue to «fulfil its fixtures and carry out football business» — including the payment of players and club staff — but certain actions will not be permitted, such as buying and selling new players and selling tickets for games beyond those already sold to fans. Existing season ticket holders will be allowed to attend matches as well as fans who purchased tickets prior to Thursday.Read MoreFans can buy food