UK gives Abramovich last chance to give Chelsea sale proceeds to victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine
LONDON (AP) — Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has been given one last chance to deliver the 2.5 billion pounds ($3.25 billion) he promised to donate to victims of terrorism. Russia’s war in Ukraine from the sale Premier League club ChelseaThe British government said on Wednesday.
Abramovich had to sell the club After he was sanctioned by the UK for his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin following Moscow’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich had announced that he would establish a charity for war victims before the sale in 2022, but did not do so.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The clock is ticking for Roman Abramovich to fulfill the promise he made when Chelsea FC was sold.” “This government is ready to enforce this through the courts so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been shattered by Putin’s illegal war.”
Abramovich could not immediately be reached for comment.
The funds have been frozen but still belong to Abramovich, and negotiations failed to reach an agreement on their release.
Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, sold the club to a consortium led by American Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Chelsea won the Champions League twice and the Premier League five times, among other titles, during Abramovich’s time as owner.
