The British government has initiated formal legal steps to sue Roman Abramovich after the former Chelsea owner failed to meet a 90-day deadline to release £2.5 billion in frozen sale proceeds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The British government has officially moved to sue Roman Abramovich after the former Chelsea owner missed a March 17 deadline to release £2.5 billion from the club’s 2022 sale.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration issued a final 90-day warning in December, demanding the funds be transferred to a foundation for Ukraine.
A government spokesperson confirmed they will now take further steps to ensure the billionaire’s promise is kept.
A significant dispute remains over the exact sum and destination of the funds. While the government demands the full £2.5 billion for Ukraine, accounts for Abramovich’s parent company, Fordstam, suggest only £987 million is earmarked for charity after repaying internal loans.
Furthermore, a criminal investigation in Jersey into whether the assets constitute “proceeds of crime” has added another layer of complexity, with Abramovich’s legal team warning they will contest any confiscation.
The legal standoff coincides with a record £10.75 million fine handed to Chelsea by the Premier League for financial irregularities during the Abramovich era.
Investigations revealed £47.5 million in secret payments to agents between 2011 and 2018 related to high-profile transfers, including Eden Hazard and David Luiz.
While current ownership self-reported the breaches to avoid a points deduction, the ruling underscores the intensifying scrutiny surrounding the club’s previous administrative conduct.