UK Urges Abramovich to Donate Chelsea Sale Funds to Ukraine War Victims

The British government has issued a final demand to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, insisting he hand over the promised 2.5 billion pounds ($3.25 billion) from the Chelsea Football Club sale to benefit victims of the war in Ukraine.

Abramovich was compelled to sell Chelsea after the UK sanctioned him due to his ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In advance of the 2022 sale, Abramovich pledged to establish a charity for war victims, a promise that remains unfulfilled.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "The clock is ticking for Roman Abramovich to honor the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold." He added, "This government is prepared to enforce it through the courts, so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war."

While the funds are currently frozen, Abramovich retains ownership, and previous negotiations to release them have been unsuccessful. Abramovich, who acquired Chelsea in 2003, ultimately sold the club to a consortium led by Americans Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. During his ownership, Chelsea secured two Champions League titles and five Premier League titles, among other accolades.

Abramovich could not be reached for immediate comment.