UK government issues statement as Abramovich issues warning over Chelsea sale

"Strangely, the UK government appears to be treating this proposed donation as a form of punitive measure against Mr Abramovich. This is fundamentally incorrect. It is important to emphasise that the funds - although currently frozen - remain the property of Fordstam Limited, which is wholly owned by Mr Abramovich. Should the UK government believe it has the legal basis to confiscate these funds instead, it is of course open to initiate formal confiscation proceedings, which will be contested in court."

"Roman Abramovich remains committed to giving it to charitable causes, but sources have told talkSPORT he wants it used for all victims of the war in Ukraine, with no clear definition as to what this means and whether it will include Russians affected by the conflict."

Roman Abramovich is blocking the UK government's distribution of £2.35 billion from Chelsea's sale, frozen since May 2022. Abramovich wants the money directed to all war victims in Ukraine, including potentially Russians affected by the conflict. The UK government insists funds must benefit only Ukrainian victims or causes and threatens legal confiscation action. Prime Minister Keir Starmer set a March 17 deadline for fund release to a specially-created foundation, though clarity by this date appears unlikely. Abramovich's legal team argues the money remains his property and will contest any confiscation attempts in court, characterizing government action as punitive rather than charitable.

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