THE Premier League announced this Saturday that it has withdrawn from the Russian owner of the ChelseaRoman Abramovich, his club manager’s license after freezing of their assets by the British government.
“Following sanctions imposed by the British government, the Premier League board has removed Roman Abramovich from his role as director of Chelsea Football Club,” wrote the Premier League organizer.
This decision “has no impact on the club’s ability to train and play matches,” the brief statement read.
On Thursday, the British government announced new sanctions against several Russian businessmen, including billionaire Roman Abramovich, who has owned Chelsea since 2003.
This measure, taken on the basis of Abramovich’s alleged links with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the military invasion of Ukraine, was accompanied by an authorization by the club to continue its activities, but with important restrictions.
Chelsea cannot sell tickets to their games or merchandising, and cannot sign players or renew their players’ contracts.
The sale of the club, decided by Abramovich before the freezing of his assets, could be carried out, but the government’s green light for the operation would be conditional on the tycoon not obtaining any benefit.
Abramovich promised during the announcement of the club’s sale on March 2 that the money would go to a foundation to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
Over the years, the 55-year-old Russian billionaire has invested 1.8 billion euros ($1.96 billion) in the club under his presidency, winning 19 titles.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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