War in Ukraine: Roman Abramovich Authorized by the British

The British government has sanctioned Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich as part of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is one of seven oligarchs facing new sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans.

The list also includes billionaires Igor Sechin and Oleg Deripaska, who are considered allies of Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was "no haven" for those who supported the invasion. "Today's sanctions are the latest step in Britain's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

"We will ruthlessly pursue those who permit the killing of civilians, the destruction of hospitals, and the illegal occupation of sovereign allies," Johnson said.

The football club was one of the assets frozen under the sanctions against Abramovich, and its sale has now been postponed. The government has announced it will issue special licenses that allow matches to be played, staff to be paid, and existing ticket holders to attend games. Season ticket holders can still participate in competitions for which they have tickets, but clubs can no longer sell match tickets.

The club shop will remain closed. Abramovich, 55, has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he denies. The government says Abramovich, whose net worth is estimated at £9.4 billion, is "one of the few oligarchs of the 1990s who remained famous under Putin".

Mr. Abramovich has stakes in steel giants Evraz and Norilsk Nickel. In 2005, he sold a 73 percent stake in Russian oil company Sibneft to state-owned titanium guest Gazprom for £9.87 billion. While the sanctions against him cast doubt on Chelsea's future, ministers are trying to reassure the club it is not 'unnecessary.' 

In a tweet, Culture Minister Nadine Doris said the priority was to hold those who "allow the Putin regime to account." "I know this brings uncertainty, but the government will work with leagues and clubs to continue playing football while ensuring sanctions achieve their goals," he wrote. Britain and its Western allies have tightened sanctions on individuals and companies linked to President Putin since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.

The government said Thursday's sanctions against "Russia's seven richest and most influential oligarchs" were part of "Britain's efforts to isolate Putin and those around him." Oleg Deripaska, a prominent industrialist with ties to British politicians, was among those sanctioned. Once one of the wealthiest people associated with President Putin, Deripaska has made billions of dollars from his interests in the Russian aluminum industry, including the EN+ Group, and has a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio in the UK.

According to the Foreign Office, his net worth is now estimated at £2 billion and has been subject to US sanctions since 2018. However, unlike other Russian oligarchs, who have remained silent about the war in Ukraine, Deripaska called for "peace as soon as possible." -soon" in a tweet.