Roman Abramovich awaiting renewal of UK visa
Chelsea's Jewish billionaire owner missed out on attending yesterday's FA Cup final at Wembley and hasn't been in England since the end of last month
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich missed watching his side win the FA Cup yesterday as he’s still awaiting the renewal of his UK visa.
The Financial Times reported on Sunday that Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in June 2003, is currently without a visa for the UK – and hasn’t been able to enter the country since the end of last month – when it expired.
A spokesman for the Jewish billionaire declined to comment on the report, with John Mann, the 51-year-old Abramovich‘s Moscow-based spokesman, telling Press Association Sport it was a private matter and there would be no comment.
Although London is one of Abramovich‘s residences, he spends a lot of time in Moscow. The Sunday Times lists Abramovich as Britain’s 13th richest man, with a net worth of £9.3billion.
The Financial Times pointed to the increased geopolitical tensions between the Kremlin and the west. But there is nothing to say the Abramovich visa situation, where his renewal application is taking longer than usual, is linked.
Earlier this month, Abramovich told Jewish News about his charitable side and how he looks to medieval Sephardic Jewish philosopher Maimonides as inspiration when donating to charitable organisations
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
