BREAKING: Roman Abramovich Disqualified As Director Of Chelsea
Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea, the Premier League have confirmed.
The UK government brought sanctions against the owner on Thursday over his alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
A statement from the league read: “Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK government, the Premier League Board has disqualified Roman Abramovich as a Director of Chelsea Football Club.
“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 licence issued by the Government which expires on 31 May 2022.”
The move won’t impact the sale of the club which is expected to progress with government oversight as bidders have been told to press on with submissions.
, Chelsea was handed a new licence to continue “football-related activities” and are in negotiations with the government to amend some aspects of it.
New York merchant the Raine Group has assessed the terms of the licence and agreed on a route forward for the sale with the government.
Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on 2 March, pledging to write off the Blues’ £1.5billion debt and to divert all proceeds to a new foundation to benefit victims of the war in Ukraine.
The 55-year-old moved to sell Chelsea after 19 years at the Stamford Bridge helm, amid Russia’s continued war in Ukraine.
The Raine Group’s progression of the sale means Chelsea’s suitors can again push forward with their bids with a number understood to be interested.
More to follow…