LONDON —
Roman Abramovich has been disqualified
as a Chelsea director by the Premier League board after the British government
sanctioned the Russian billionaire.
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Chelsea owner Abramovich was one of seven
more oligarchs sanctioned this week by the UK following
Russia's invasion of
Ukraine.
The European champions have been placed
under tough restrictions due to the sanctions on Abramovich.
Chelsea are unable to sign players, renew
contracts or sell tickets to matches, with limits on the amount of money they
are allowed to spend on travel to away games.
Now Premier League chiefs have taken action
against Abramovich, who is described by the government as part of Russian
President
Vladimir Putin's inner circle despite his denials of any association.
"Following the imposition of sanctions
by the UK Government, the Premier League board has disqualified Roman
Abramovich as a director of
Chelsea Football Club," a Premier League
statement said on Saturday.
"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 license issued by the Government, which expires on May 31, 2022."
Abramovich had already announced his
intention to sell Chelsea, with a host of potential buyers declaring their
interest in a club that have won 19 major trophies since he bought the side in
2003.
The government is still open to a sale but
would have to approve a new license, on the proviso no profit would go to the
Russian, who has bankrolled the club to the tune of around £1.5 billion ($2
billion).
Chelsea are already feeling the impact of
the sanctions, with shirt sponsor Three suspending its £40 million deal.
The club's official training wear partner
Trivago said Friday that it was sticking with Chelsea despite the
"challenging" situation.
Chelsea reportedly saw several credit cards
temporarily frozen on Friday while they negotiate the terms of their special
operating license with the government.
Thomas Tuchel's side host Newcastle on
Sunday as they look to cement their hold on third place in the Premier League.
The Premier League's decision to disqualify
Abramovich is unlikely to have any major impact given the sale process was
already underway.
The Raine Group, instructed by
Abramovich to
handle the sale, is believed to have completed checks, allowing potential
buyers to press on with their negotiations.
British property tycoon Nick Candy has
confirmed his strong interest in buying the Blues and is in the process of
building a consortium.
LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and Swiss
tycoon
Hansjorg Wyss are said to have made a joint bid.
There was some positive news for the club on
Saturday, with the operating license reportedly amended to allow up to £900,000
to be spent per home match.
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