Chelsea Banned From Renewing Contracts And Buying Players As Roman Abramovich Gets Hit By Sanctions

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has had his UK assets frozen, after being hit by new UK government sanctions.

The billionaire is one of seven Russian oligarchs who have been subject to sanctions, implemented by ministers on Thursday.

The action could massively impact the ongoing sale of Chelsea, although the club has been given a special licence to continue with football-related activities in the interim.

As Martyn Ziegler of The Times reports, Chelsea will no longer be able to sell any more matchday tickets, with only season ticket holders able to go to games for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, no merchandise sales are permitted as a result of the sanctions, while no player transfers, new contracts, or catering services at the ground will be allowed either.

Last week, Abramovich announced that he intends to sell Chelsea after almost 20 years of ownership, with net proceeds from the sale to be donated to "all victims of the war in Ukraine".In a statement, he said the decision is "in the best interest of the club" amid Russia's widely condemned invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions will come into force before the sale of the football club, estimated to be worth around £3bn, is able to take place.

"Today's sanctions are the latest step in the UK's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday.

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