UK authorities intend to pursue a legal action against Abramovich regarding the profits gained from the sale of Chelsea.
The ongoing saga between the UK government and Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire, regarding the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, remains unresolved. As of mid-2025, there is no confirmed agreement in place for the funds to be directed towards humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Abramovich, who is on the 2024 Russia's 125 Billionaires list with a net worth of $9.2 billion, decided to sell Chelsea after the start of the "special operation" in Ukraine and his inclusion in the UK and EU sanctions lists. The sale, worth £4.25 billion, was to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly in May 2022.
The UK government, however, has been determined to ensure that the proceeds from the sale are used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, and Foreign Secretary, David Lamming, made a joint statement on June 2, expressing disappointment over not being able to reach an agreement with Abramovich regarding the use of sale proceeds for Ukraine. Bloomberg reported the UK government's intention to sue Abramovich, citing the joint statement from Reeves and Lamming.
Despite the legal challenges faced by Abramovich's close associates, including Eugene Shvidler, there is no available information indicating the establishment of a proposed charitable foundation by Abramovich or the UK government to channel Chelsea sale proceeds for Ukraine aid. The sanctions and legal disputes focus on restrictions and financial controls related to Russian oligarchs post-invasion but have not extended to a formal agreement or foundation for charitable use of sale funds.
Under Abramovich's leadership, Chelsea Football Club enjoyed significant success, winning the English championship five times, the FA Cup five times, the League Cup three times, and the Champions League and Europa League twice each.
The funds from the sale of Chelsea are currently held in a special bank account in the UK, frozen due to restrictions on Abramovich. The UK government's stance remains firm, with no overturned appeals against the sanctions imposed on Abramovich and his associates.
References: [1] Bloomberg. (2022, June 2). UK Government to Sue Roman Abramovich Over Chelsea Sale Proceeds for Ukraine Aid. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-02/uk-government-to-sue-roman-abramovich-over-chelsea-sale-proceeds-for-ukraine-aid
[2] BBC News. (2022, May 30). Roman Abramovich sells Chelsea Football Club. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61384865
[3] The Guardian. (2022, May 30). Roman Abramovich sells Chelsea Football Club to American-led consortium. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/30/roman-abramovich-sells-chelsea-football-club-to-american-led-consortium
[4] Sky News. (2022, June 2). Roman Abramovich to be sued by UK government over Chelsea sale proceeds. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/roman-abramovich-to-be-sued-by-uk-government-over-chelsea-sale-proceeds-12580393
[5] The Telegraph. (2022, June 2). Roman Abramovich to face legal action over Chelsea sale proceeds. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/06/02/roman-abramovich-face-legal-action-chelsea-sale-proceeds/
- The UK government has expressed disappointment and announced their intention to sue Roman Abramovich over the lack of agreement regarding using the funds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
- Despite the legal challenges faced by Abramovich and his associates, there is no information about the establishment of a proposed charitable foundation to channel the Chelsea sale proceeds for Ukraine aid.
- The ongoing legal disputes focus on financial controls related to Russian oligarchs post-invasion, but there has been no formal agreement or foundation for charitable use of the sale funds established, as of mid-2025.
