Government of UK prepares legal action against Russian tycoon Abramovich regarding the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
Title: The Prolonged Battle Over Chelsea FC's Sale Proceeds: U.K. vs Roman Abramovich
The standoff between the U.K. government and Roman Abramovich regarding the purpose of Chelsea Football Club's sale revenue shows no signs of resolution. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a joint statement on June 2, emphasising their determination to see the profits reach Ukraine's humanitarian efforts.
"The government is resolute in ensuring the funds from the sale of Chelsea FC aid Ukrainian causes," the officials declared, in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion.
Lammy had previously pledged to unfreeze the funds for Ukraine's support, following Abramovich's forced sale of the club when sanctions were imposed in February 2022. Despite the door for negotiations staying open, Reeves and Lammy warned they'd take the dispute to court if needed.
Disagreements between officials and Abramovich have left the funds in limbo since their intended distribution. "We're exasperated that we haven't managed to reach an agreement with Mr. Abramovich so far," the officials admitted.
As of early June 2025, £2.3 billion remains locked in a trust, awaiting the U.K.'s decision on its allocation. Reports suggest Abramovich may owe up to £1 billion to the U.K. following an alleged tax evasion scheme involving Chelsea FC and hedge fund investments.
In addition, Abramovich faces an investigation in Germany for undeclared assets, according to Spiegel's February 2023 report, citing the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office.
The heart of the dispute lies in the U.K.'s insistence that funds are used exclusively for Ukrainian humanitarian aid, versus Abramovich's position that the money should help all victims of the war—possibly including Russians affected by the conflict. The European Union has aligned with the U.K.'s stance, limiting the funds' use to Ukraine.
With humanitarian programs delayed, both sides maintain their stances, hinting at an impending legal confrontation should negotiations fail. The £2.5 billion from Chelsea's sale continues to be frozen until a negotiated resolution or court decision determines its destination.
- The ongoing disagreement over the sale proceeds of Chelsea Football Club, a general news topic, is entwined with the politics of war-and-conflicts, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the crime-and-justice issue of an alleged tax evasion scheme by Roman Abramovich.
- The U.K. government's insistence on allocating the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC solely to Ukrainian humanitarian efforts is supported by the European Union, as they aim to aid victims of the war exclusively, excluding Russians affected by the conflict.
- Amidst the standoff, reports from Spiegel in February 2023 suggest that Abramovich, in addition to the ongoing dispute in the U.K., also faces an investigation in Germany for undeclared assets, another crime-and-justice matter.
- As the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC, worth £2.3 billion as of early June 2025, remain frozen in a trust, sports fans and enthusiasts of European leagues, including the Premier League, continue to watch the effects of this political and financial battle on the future ownership of Chelsea FC.
