Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been banned by the UK government from carrying out transactions with UK individuals and businesses.
Abramovich also had his assets frozen, a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions.
Fans of Chelsea might also be affected as the club was given special license to continute to operate and only existing ticket-holders can attend games.
A statement by the government said: “Given the significant impact that today’s sanctions would have on Chelsea football club and the potential knock on effects of this, the Government has this morning published a licence which authorises a number of football-related activities to continue at Chelsea.
“This includes permissions for the club to continue playing matches and other football related activity which will in turn protect the Premier League, the wider football pyramid, loyal fans and other clubs. This licence will only allow certain explicitly named actions to ensure the designated individual is not able to circumvent UK sanctions. The licence will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities.”
Six other Russia wealthy oligarchs, whose business empires, wealth and connections are closely associated with Vladimir Putin’s regime were also affected by the ban.
