Roman Abramovich Has Been Disqualified As A Director Of Chelsea

Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea, according to the Premier League.

A statement from the league read: “Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK government, the Premier League Board has disqualified Roman Abramovich as a Director of Chelsea Football Club.

“The board’s decision does not impact on the club’s ability to train and play its fixtures, as set out under the terms of a licence issued by the Government which expires on 31 May 2022.”

The 55-year-old was added to the UK sanctions list on 10 March amid his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this month, the billionaire announced he would be selling Chelsea FC, following public pressure after Russia invaded Ukraine.

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The government said he now faces a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions.

Only season ticket holders and people who already purchased tickets prior to the sanctions are able to go to Chelsea games, under the new rules.

Also no contract extensions or signings will be allowed, with players such as Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen running out of contact at the end of the season.

A government press release said: "As part of the UK’s leading efforts to isolate Putin and those around him, these oligarchs – who have a collective net worth of around £15bn – will have their assets in the UK frozen, they are banned from travelling here and no UK citizen or company may do business with them."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.

"Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

"We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies."

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Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also weighed in, saying: "Today’s sanctions show once again that oligarchs and kleptocrats have no place in our economy or society.

"With their close links to Putin they are complicit in his aggression.

"The blood of the Ukrainian people is on their hands.

"They should hang their heads in shame.

"Our support for Ukraine will not waver.

"We will not stop in this mission to ramp up the pressure on the Putin regime and choke off funds to his brutal war machine."