The United Kingdom government has threatened to take former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to court over the frozen £2.5 billion proceeds from his sale of the Premier League club.
Abramovich, who was forced to sell Chelsea following sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, had initially stated his intention to donate the proceeds to victims of the war. However, a dispute has emerged over how exactly the funds should be distributed.
The UK government insists that the money must be spent exclusively in Ukraine, aligning with broader European efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the destruction caused by its invasion. Abramovich, meanwhile, is seeking greater flexibility, wanting the funds to benefit all victims of the conflict.
Government Expresses Frustration Over Stalled Negotiations
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed their determination to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine.
"We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr. Abramovich so far," the ministers stated. They added that while the door for negotiations would remain open, they were "fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required."
The sanctions against Abramovich were part of a broader crackdown on Russian oligarchs following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. These measures led to the rapid sale of Chelsea Football Club and the subsequent freezing of the proceeds.
Implications for Football and International Relations
The dispute highlights the complex intersection of sports, business, and international politics. Chelsea, one of England's most successful football clubs, has since transitioned to new ownership under a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly.
The case also underscores the ongoing efforts by Western governments to pressure Russia over its actions in Ukraine, with the frozen Chelsea sale proceeds representing one of the largest single assets affected by the sanctions regime.
As the legal standoff continues, the £2.5 billion remains in limbo, with humanitarian aid that could benefit war victims delayed by the disagreement over distribution terms.
