UK Threatens to Sue Abramovich Over Chelsea Sale

The UK government has warned it may take legal action against Roman Abramovich to ensure that the frozen £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club is directed toward humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sold the club under a special government licence that required he not benefit from the proceeds. However, the funds have remained locked in a UK bank account for over two years due to disagreements over their use.

The government insists the money should be spent solely on supporting victims of the war in Ukraine. Abramovich, however, has maintained that the funds should go to all victims of the conflict, including those in Russia, a position that has stalled the release of the money.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed deep frustration over the ongoing impasse.

“While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required,” the ministers said. “We want to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.”

The ministers also reaffirmed the UK’s position that proceeds from the club’s 2022 sale must support humanitarian causes within Ukraine, stating the government was “determined” to see the funds put to immediate use.

Abramovich, a Russian billionaire with longstanding business ties in oil and gas, has denied allegations of links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Though under UK sanctions and unable to access the funds, the money legally remains his property.

The delay has drawn criticism from lawmakers. A House of Lords committee last year labelled the situation “incomprehensible,” faulting both the UK government and Abramovich for the prolonged deadlock.

The case could set a precedent for how sanctioned assets linked to Russia are handled in future, especially those tied to individuals who claim philanthropic intentions.