LONDON (AP) – Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has been given one last chance to hand over the 2.5 billion pounds ($3.25 billion) he promised to give to his victims. Russia’s Ukraine war from the sale of Premier League club ChelseaThe British government announced on Wednesday.
Abramovich is forced to sell the club Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he was sanctioned by Britain for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Abramovich said he would set up a charity for war victims before the sale in 2022, but this has not yet happened.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The clock is ticking to ensure Roman Abramovich keeps the promise he made when he sold Chelsea FC.” “This government is prepared to force through the courts to ensure that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by President Putin’s illegal war.”
Abramovich could not be reached for comment.
Although the funds have been frozen, they still belong to Abramovich, and negotiations over their release have not been agreed.
Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, sold the club to a consortium led by American Todd Boley and Clearlake Capital. Chelsea won two Champions League titles and five Premier League titles during Abramovich’s ownership.
