Future Of Chelsea FC In Limbo As UK Government Takes This Harsh Move

The owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the government of the United Kingdom in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich joins the list of seven oligarchs that have been affected by these fresh sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans.

According to a BBC report, the list also includes billionaires Igor Sechin and Oleg Deripaska, both seen as allies of Vladimir Putin.

On addressing the same matter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that there can be no safe havens for those who have supported the invasion.

"Today's sanctions are the latest step in the UK's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals, and illegal occupation of sovereign allies," Mr. Johnson said.

The 55-year-old Abramovich is alleged to have strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusations he has denied.

The Boris government had come under pressure to sanction Mr. Abramovich, who said he had made the "difficult decision" to sell Chelsea FC earlier this month.

However, Abramovich's intention to sell Chelsea FC will now be impossible since its seization from Mr. Abramovich is treated as part of the freeze on his assets.

The government says it will issue a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid, and existing ticket holders to attend matches.

According to the UK government's directives, the Season ticket holders can still attend games they have tickets for but the club can not now sell any more tickets that haven't been sold already.

While the sanctions against him throw Chelsea FC's future in doubt, ministers sought to reassure the club it would be not "unnecessarily harmed".

In a tweet, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said holding those who have "enabled the Putin regime to account" was the priority.

"I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended," she wrote.