Chelsea Sanctions – The UK government has been seen placing a heavy sanction on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic due ongoing Russia invasion of Ukraine.
With the sanction affecting the London club and it’s innocent fans all over the world.
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Roman Abramovic & Chelsea Sanctions Explained
Roman Abramovic being a Russia was sanction by the UK and European Union due to his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia, on 24 February 2022 began an open military invasion of Ukraine in a conflict that started February 2014.
Which was seen as the largest military attack in the world since the aftermath of World War II.
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Fast forward to June 2020, Ukraine joined the membership of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also called North Atlantic Alliance.
Meanwhile in 2021, Russia had commence a large military build-up along its border with Ukraine, leading to an international crisis.
During which Russia president, Vladimir Putin, accused NATO of threatening Russia’s security also demand Ukraine to be stripped off their NATO membership .
On 24 February 2022, due to Ukraine refusal to back off from NATO, Putin announce a special military operation to demilitarize Ukraine including the capital city ‘Kyiv‘.
In response, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy legalize martial law (temporary substitution of military authority for civilian rule).
The invasion of Ukraine was widely condemned internationally and these led to many countries imposing sanction on Russia.
Though the sanction have led to economic impact on Russia and the world economy.
Chelsea’s 117 Birthday: A day to be forgotten
On Thursday March 10, Chelsea Football Club celebrated a 117 birthday after being founded on March 10, 1905.
The London club owner, Roman Abramovic was hit with a sanction by UK government over his close relationship with Putin.
With all his assets over the UK being froze till further notice.
The sanction also affected the club being that the Russian billionaire has 100% stake in the club.
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Chelsea and Roman Abramovic Statement
On 26 February two days after the invasion, Chelsea release a statement from the owners on their official website.
During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.
I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
chelseafc.com
On March 2, Abramovic also address the rumour over the media in relation to his ownership of Chelsea FC.
“As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.”
“In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.” He stated.
Read Abramovic Full Statement here ……
The Club also release a statement on March 10 being it’s 117 Birthday after the news on Abramovic sanction broke out.
“By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich.”
“However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.”
The Do’s and Don’t of Chelsea FC after sanction
Since the UK sanction on Abramovic has hit all his assets in UK including the London Club.
Chelsea has been restricted from some activities in the UK even though the UK government has issued a special license to the club to keep running primarily as a football team.
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The licence to continue operating will last until May 31, but can be ‘revisited or suspended’ at any time.
What Chelsea can continue doing
- Play all their matches both home and away
- Pay the salaries of players and staff
- Receive TV broadcasting revenues and prize money – (money to be frozen)
- Provide stewards, security and food and drink for fans (with £500,000 limit)
- Club sale still go ahead, as long as Abramovich does not benefit financially.
Chelsea Sanctions List
- Sell merchandise at the stadium or online (All store locked)
- Agree any new transfers or contracts ( No player can sign or renew deal)
- No sales of tickets to home or away fans – (only existing ticket holders will be allow to attend)
- Spending limit of £20,000 on away travel
- No building work should be done in Stamford Bridge.
The Blues and her fans will hope the restrictions will be removed sooner while they are in negotiations with government officials over the license to continue football-related activities.
The hope remains they will be able to amend certain terms to operate in a more regular fashion.
