The UK government is threatening legal action against former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich over £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) from the club’s 2022 sale, which remains frozen amid a dispute over its use.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed frustration over failing to agree with Abramovich on how the funds should be allocated. The government wants the money directed exclusively to help victims of the war in Ukraine, while Abramovich insists it be used for all victims of the conflict, including those in Russia.
The Premier League club was sold in May 2022 to a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly after Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The funds remain in a UK bank account but still legally belong to Abramovich and require a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation to be released.
“The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine,” the ministers said, warning they are ready to take the matter to court if necessary.
Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who bought Chelsea in 2003, built the club into a global powerhouse, winning multiple Champions Leagues, Premier Leagues, FA Cups, and other trophies during his tenure.
