The United Kingdom has seized all assets of Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich over Russian invasion of Ukraine.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that Russia military operation invaded Ukraine on Thursday February 24.
Abramovich is one of seven oligarchs hit with fresh sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans.
Also affected are billionaires Igor Sechin and Oleg Deripaska, both seen as allies of President Vladimir Putin.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “there can be no safe havens” for those who have supported the invasion.
“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
“We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”
The 55-year-old billionaire is alleged to have strong ties with Putin, which he has denied.
But the government believes Abramovich, who has an estimated net worth of £9.4bn, is “one of the few oligarchs from the 1990s to maintain prominence under Putin”.
Under the sanctions, Chelsea will operate as a club with a special charity license and it won’t be able to sell new tickets for games or sign new players.
The proposed sale of the Club by Abramovich has also been stopped.
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