Abramovich ‘will not benefit’ if Chelsea FC is sold
UK government understood to remain open to any sale of the club, despite imposing asset freezing sanctions against the Jewish billionaire on Thursday.
Roman Aramovich “will not benefit” from any sale of Chelsea Football Club, the UK government has stressed.
But any deal to purchase the West London club could only go ahead if the Treasury gives approval for a new license.
Jewish News understands the UK government remains open to any sale of Chelsea FC, despite imposing asset freezing sanctions against Jewish billionaire Abramovitch on Thursday.
Downing Street stressed again on Friday that the new sanctions, placed on seven individuals had been put in place to ensure that no revenues could find their way back to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
The government is also continuing to work closely with Chelsea FC and with the Premier League over any issues arising from the sanctions placed on the Chelsea owner.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries also confirmed to reporters that if Chelsea were to be sold “Abramovich will not benefit.”
She added: “I’m not going to get into the weeds of what will happen in the future in terms of the sale of Chelsea, that will depend on the terms of the licence which will be issued by the Treasury.”
“At the moment, he cannot benefit from revenue from the club and he cannot benefit from the sale of the club.
“Our priority is to ensure that the club is protected that the fans are protected, and the national game – and the integrity of the club.”
Several parties have signaled interest in buying Chelsea and Downing Street have now confirmed the Government could still oversee a sale.
Downing Street also said they understood the strength of feeling amongst some Chelsea fans after they again chanted Abramovich’s name at the game against Norwich on Thursday night.
A Downing Street spokesperson added the announcement of sanctions was also “designed to try to minimise the impact on fans.
“The purpose of these sanctions were to punish those with close associations to Putin, and those who have facilitated what has happened in Ukraine.”
Abramovich has previously denied a close association with Putin’s regime.
comments