Roman Abramovich sanctioned by UK government

Abramovich has recently put Chelsea up for sale

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as a result of his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Abramovich is one of several high-profile Russians with interests in the UK who has been named in a government report and will have all his assets frozen. https://twitter.com/martynziegler/status/1501849425643245571 A statement from the report explained the decision to freeze Abramovich's assets. It read: "Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich hereafter Abramovich is a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch. "Abramovich is associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades." https://twitter.com/martynziegler/status/1501852399417401347 It follows after Abramovich recently announced his intentions to sell Chelsea after almost two decades of ownership in fear that he may be sanctioned. The report states that the sanctions imposed on Abramovich will not directly affect his intentions to sell the club as he waits to find a preferred bidder to take the reins at Stamford Bridge and that Chelsea will continue to operate. A spokesperson from the government said: "To ensure the club can continue to compete & and operate we are issuing a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches while, crucially, depriving Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership." https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1501849571546255365 Chelsea are set to play Norwich City at Carrow Road on Thursday night. https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1501851905215152135 https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1501854900539604992