The European Union has hit Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with financial sanctions as part of a new package of measures targeting Russia.
On Tuesday, it added Abramovich to its updated list of individuals facing an asset freeze and travel bans over their role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The EU said Abramovich “has had privileged access to the president (Vladimir Putin), and has maintained very good relations with him. This connection with the Russian leader helped him to maintain his considerable wealth”.
On Tuesday evening, UEFA said: “UEFA is fully committed to always implementing relevant EU and international sanctions. Our understanding is that the present case is assessed in the context of the licence issued in the UK which allows Chelsea FC to continue minimum football activity whilst providing a safeguard that no financial gain will result for Mr. Abramovich.
“We will work with the EU and relevant member states to ensure we have full clarity and remain in lockstep with all relevant and applicable measures in line with latest developments.”
Abramovich was sanctioned by Boris Johnson’s UK government last week and described as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch”.
Abramovich, 55, has always vehemently denied being close to the Kremlin or having done anything which could merit him being punished.
His frozen assets include Chelsea, which has been allowed to continue operating under a special licence granted by the government.
The government has said the licence would be kept under review.
The government added last week that it could permit the sale of Chelsea but, for that to go ahead, the club would require another licence.
Abramovich is currently unable to make any money or benefit financially in any way from the club.
Chelsea are subject to a transfer ban and have been blocked from negotiating new contracts with current players.
They have also been prohibited from selling any more tickets to matches that haven’t already been sold. That led to Chelsea requesting on Tuesday for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors “in the interests of sporting integrity”.
But later on Tuesday, the FA confirmed the Premier League club had removed that request.
A statement read: “After constructive talks between the FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to remove their request for the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.
“The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League and the government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected.”
(Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
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What has happened to Abramovich?
Abramovich has been sanctioned by the EU as well as the UK government.
His assets are frozen, he is prohibited from making transactions with UK and EU individuals and businesses and he is subject to a travel ban and transport sanctions.
An asset freeze prevents any UK or EU citizen — or any business in the UK or EU — from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the sanctioned person and which are held in those territories.
An asset freeze also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for that person.
Abramovich has also been hit by a travel ban and travel sanctions — meaning he will be refused leave to enter or to remain in the UK and EU.
And what does this mean for Chelsea?
Asset freeze restrictions also apply to any entities that are owned or controlled by Abramovich.
Life changed dramatically for Chelsea when the UK government announced that they were hitting the club’s owner with sanctions.
The club was prohibited from selling any more tickets to matches that haven’t already been sold — although season ticket holders are allowed to continue attending matches.
Chelsea’s club shop has been closed and the club are limited on what they can spend traveling to matches. Broadcasters can continue to show Chelsea fixtures, however.
The Athletic understands that UEFA is reviewing the situation in light of the EU’s announcement on Tuesday. Chelsea, the reigning European champions, are still in the Champions League and are due to play their next match on Wednesday.