Tue, 03 Jun 2025

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 UK threatens to sue Abramovich over Chelsea sale

The proceeds have been frozen since the UK government forced the club's sale following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The UK government has threatened to take legal action against Roman Abramovich, former Chelsea FC owner, to ensure that £2.5bn from the club's sale goes towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine. The funds have been frozen since February 2022 when Abramovich was sanctioned over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich wants the money to be distributed among "all victims of the war in Ukraine", but the UK government is insisting it should only support Ukrainian humanitarian efforts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy said they are prepared to take the matter to court if necessary, adding that they want the funds to reach those suffering in Ukraine as soon as possible. The delay in releasing the money stems from a disagreement between the government and Abramovich's lawyers over how the funds should be used.
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