British government sanctions FC Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

Fans are not allowed to purchase tickets

The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against seven oligarchs, including former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The 55-year-old’s assets will be frozen, transactions with British individuals and companies, a travel ban and transport sanctions will be imposed. The planned sale of the club is on hold, and transfers and new contracts with players would also be impossible for the time being.

Secretary of State Liz Truss on Thursday announced a full freeze on the assets of seven of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential oligarchs, whose business empires, fortunes and connections are closely tied to the Kremlin. Abramovich’s net worth is £9 billion.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a government statement: “There can be no safe havens for those who supported Putin’s vicious attack on Ukraine. Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will ruthlessly pursue those who facilitate the killing of civilians, the destruction of hospitals and the illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”

Bin Salman, Abramovich & Co.: The owners of the 20 Premier League clubs

Chelsea FC – Roman Abramovich (Russia)

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Year of entry: 2003 – Status currently unclear.

Info: Here you can see the respective majority shareholders of the clubs, who do not necessarily have to own 100% of the shares.

Arsenal – Stan Kroenke (USA)

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Year of entry: 2008

Newcastle United – Mohammed Bin Salman* (Saudi Arabia)

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Year of entry: 2021, as Chairman of the Public Investment Fund

Everton FC – Farhad Moshiri (Iran)

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Entry year: 2016

Liverpool FC – John Henry (USA)

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Entry year: 2010

West Ham United – David Sullivan (Wales), David Gold (England), Daniel Kretinsky (Czech Republic)

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Entry year: 2010, Kretinsky from 2021

Southampton FC – Dragan Solak (Serbia)

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Year of entry: In 2022, Dragan Solak bought 80% of the club shares from Jisheng Gao (left) for £100m. Katharina Liebherr (right) continues to hold 20% of the shares.

Aston Villa – Wes Edens (USA) & Nassef Sawiris (Egypt)

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Entry year: 2018

Brentford FC – Matthew Benham (England)

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Entry year: 2011

Burnley FC – Alan Pace (USA)

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Entry year: 2020

Brighton & Hove Albion – Tony Bloom (England)

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Entry year: 2011

Crystal Palace – Steve Parish (England)

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Entry year: 2011

Leeds United – Andrea Radrizzani (Italy)

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Entry year: 2017

Leicester City – Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (Thailand)

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Entry year: 2019

Manchester City – Mansour Al Nahyan (UAE)

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Year of entry: 2008

Manchester United-Joel Glazer* (USA)

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*and family
Entry year: 2003

Norwich City – Delia Smith & Michael Wynn Jones (England)

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Year of entry: 1998

Tottenham Hotspur – Daniel Levy (England)

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Entry year: 2000

Watford FC – Gino Pozzo (Italy)

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Entry year: 2012

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Guo Guangchang (China)

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Entry year: 2016

Sanctions affect Chelsea sale – No new tickets for fans

According to media reports, the sanctions for Abramovich will also affect the planned sale of Chelsea. Since the oligarchs are prohibited from all transactions, they have been put on hold for the time being. As a result, the club still has the sporting license, but also has to accept significant business impairments in the course of the sanctions against its current owner.

According to “Times” journalist Martin Ziegler, the license conditions include a freeze on merchandising sales, player transfers or new contracts. Ticket sales have also been suspended for the time being, season ticket holders are still allowed to go to the stadium. Player salaries can also continue to be paid, and catering services are also permitted.

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