Roman Abramovich sanctioned throwing future of Chelsea into turmoil

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A Foreign Office source told The Telegraph: “Liz [Truss] and the Government’s strategy is to debilitate the Russian economy – taking it out at the knees.

“The people sanctioned today have a huge amount of wealth. Abramovich is the most familiar name for the UK audience, but the likes of Deripaska and Sechin are huge financial figures in Russia.

“This is part of a strategy that targets banks, financial institutions, defense companies and really puts the squeeze on the Russian economy and what funds the Putin war machine, to ensure he fails in Ukraine, especially if this conflict goes medium to long term. ”

It is also designed to send “a signal that no-one and nothing is off the table in terms of sanctions now and in the future”, the Whitehall insider said.

Britain’s aim to isolate Russia economically by making it difficult for oligarchs and state companies to operate outside the nation’s border dovetails with the UK’s diplomatic isolation of Moscow at the United Nations.

What it means for Chelsea

The Government has told Chelsea it cannot even sell tickets to matches and any takeover is now on hold as part of the order.

The club will still be able to pay staff, including players, and broadcasters will be allowed to show Chelsea matches.

A result of the sanctions, a club sale can only go through if the Government grants permission. Other key points for Chelsea in the order include:

Chelsea are now under under an effective transfer embargo, with new loans and permanent deals bannedExisting loans/transfer deals can still be paidBroadcast and prize money can be received but will be frozen sales may continue but money cannot go to ChelseaThe club is limited to £20,000 travel expenses per matchThere is also a limit to £500,000 on security, stewarding and catering costs per matchNo new ticket sales – season ticket holders and existing ticket holders onlyNo stadium work or redevelopment

The Chelsea megastore was immediately closed on Thursday “until further notice”, and there is doubt that both a hotel and carpark within the Stamford Bridge complex will be allowed to stay open.

The Chelsea Supportersa Trust released a statement following the news, saying :“The CST notes with concern the Government’s statement regarding the owner. Supporters MUST be involved in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts on the club and its global fan base.”

“The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process to minimize the uncertainty over Chelsea’s future, for supporters and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”

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