AAP Soccer

UK gives Abramovich ultimatum on Chelsea sale proceeds

By AAP Newswire

Dec 18, 2025

The UK government says it's giving Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich a final chance to donate STG2.5 billion ($A5.1 billion) that he promised to give victims of Russia's war in Ukraine from the sale of English Premier League club Chelsea.

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Abramovich was forced to sell the EPL club after being sanctioned by the UK for his connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Â

Before the sale in 2022, Abramovich said he would set up a war victims' charity, but hasn't followed through.

"The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honor the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

"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."

Abramovich couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

The funds are frozen, but still belong to Abramovich, and negotiations have failed to reach an agreement on their release.

Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, sold the football club to a consortium fronted by Americans Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Chelsea won the Champions League twice and the Premier League five times - among other titles - during the Russian oligarch's time as owner.