Roman Abramovich sanctioned by UK government

Abramovich has recently put Chelsea up for sale

Outgoing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as a result of his close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin. Abramovich is one of several high-profile Russian's with interests in the UK who has been named in a government report and will have all his assets frozen. A statement from the report explained the decision to freeze Abramovich's assets. It read: "Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich hereafter Abramovich is a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch. "Abramovich 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 Abramobvich has had a close relationship for decades." It follows after Abramovich recently announced his intentions to sell Chelsea after almost two decades of ownership in fear that he may be sanctioned. The report states that the sanctions imposed on Abramovich will not directly affect his intentions to sell the club as he awaits to find a preferred bidder to take the reins at Stamford Bridge and that Chelsea will continue to operate. A spokesperson from the government said: "To ensure the club can continue to compete & and operate we are issuing a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches while, crucially, depriving Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership." https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1501849571546255365 Chelsea are set to play Norwich City at Carrow Road tonight (Thursday). More to follow... Related links:

• Chelsea fans told not to sing Abramovich’s name during applause for Ukraine
• Thomas Tuchel hits out at Chelsea fans following Roman Abramovich chants
• Amanda Staveley says it’s ‘unfair’ Roman Abramovich is being forced to sell Chelsea