Roman Abramovich has been fired as director of Chelsea by the Premier League following a decision by the UK government to punish the club’s owner.
Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs whose property was confiscated on Thursday due to the Ukrainian invasion.
The 55-year-old, who reportedly has an estimated £ 9.4billion, has taken pictures with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Due to the suspension, Abramovich is unable to continue his decision to sell the club on his own terms.
Abramovich reportedly could apply for a license to allow him to sell the club, although he would not make a profit by selling under such conditions.
Chelsea have been granted a special sports license to continue trading – and to actually play – as a football club, but have been subjected to some severe sanctions.
Including a ban on ticket sales, only season ticket holders are allowed to go to the games, while the Blues can either buy or sell players, or offer new contracts.
In a statement on Saturday, the Premier League confirmed Abramovich’s removal as director.
It read: “Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK Government, the Premier League Board has fired Roman Abramovich as Director of Chelsea Football Club.
“The decision of the Board does not affect the ability of the team to train and play their games, as set out in the conditions of the Government-issued license expiring on 31 May 2022.”
Chelsea will host Newcastle United on Sunday in their first game at Stamford Bridge since then.
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