The UK government is preparing legal action against Roman Abramovich after he failed to release £2.35 billion from the sale of Chelsea, originally intended for victims of the Ukraine war.
Abramovich had been given a final deadline of March 17 to approve the transfer of funds to a humanitarian foundation.
However, officials confirmed the money remains frozen, prompting fresh steps toward court action.
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The former Chelsea owner was forced to sell the club in 2022 following sanctions linked to Vladimir Putin after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Dispute over how funds should be used
A major issue remains disagreement over how the money should be distributed. Abramovich has insisted funds should support victims on both sides, including Russians and Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
However, the UK government maintains the proceeds must go exclusively toward humanitarian aid in Ukraine, increasing tensions between both parties over the delayed release, reports Daily Mail.
Complicating matters further, reports suggest loans worth £1.54 billion to Abramovich-linked companies must be repaid before any charitable donations are made. This would significantly reduce available funds.
Officials previously expressed frustration over the lack of progress, warning they were fully prepared to pursue legal action if no agreement was reached. That stance has now intensified following the missed deadline.
With billions still held in accounts linked to the club’s former parent company, the dispute continues to draw attention across football and political circles as pressure mounts for a resolution.
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