Chelsea Football Club’s Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has been banned from living in Britain ever again, according to reports on Thursday.
This comes after Russia’s full scale invasion of the Ukraine was also confirmed on Thursday.
Abramovich, 55, has not been to Stamford Bridge - the home stadium of Chelsea - for several months.
Abramovich had applied for a British Tier 1 investor visa in 2018 but swiftly withdrew his application after he was found to have links with the Russian government.
The Daily Mail reports that Abramovich has business connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has denied the allegation.
However, in 2018, Abramovich found a loophole in the system as he became an Israeli citizen which allowed him to remain in Britain for up to six months at a time.
While there is no accurate figure of Abramovich’s net worth, it is believed to be over £8.4 billion (R172 billion).
UK foreign secretary Liz Truss told the Daily Mail that Abramovich was not being targeted but vowed individuals connected with the Russian government would face sanctions.
Roman Abramovich - described as having a "father and son" relationship with Vladimir Putin - has amassed a British property empire worth £200 million.
Not a penny of that is being touched by Boris Johnson's announced sanctions.— Ash Sarkar (@AyoCaesar) February 22, 2022
“We have a long list of those complicit in the actions of the Russian leadership,” said Truss.
“Should Russia refuse to pull back its troops, we can keep turning up the heat, targeting more banks, elites and companies of significance.
“This is about inflicting pain on Putin and degrading the Russian economic system over time, targeting people that are close to Putin. What we have to do is make it as painful as possible.”
Abramovich is the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC, and became the owner of Chelsea in June 2003. With a massive cash injection from Abramovich, the club transformed into a giant on the world football stage.
Since Abramovich arrived at Chelsea, the club has won 18 major trophies including the European Champions League twice, the English Premier League five times and has won the FA Cup on five occasions.
Latest Stories
-
Absa Bank Ghana appoints Adolph Kpegah as interim Managing Director
17 mins -
Ghana needs an economic development plan – Nana Yaa Jantuah
2 hours -
Don’t undermine the dignity of host community during peacebuilding – Supreme Court judge to international peacebuilders
3 hours -
Voter turnout will be very low in 2024 election – Hassan Ayariga predicts
4 hours -
20 beautiful signs you have a pure heart
4 hours -
Microfinance has the power to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor – UNCDF policy specialist
5 hours -
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies aged 100
5 hours -
Climate Financing: GHISP reaffirms commitment to supporting SMEs get funding
5 hours -
Elon Musk says advertising boycott will kill X
5 hours -
Stop meddling in GSA’s operations – Kofi Kapito tells government
5 hours -
Spanish Embassy and Latif Abubakar storm Takoradi with ‘Life is a Dream’
5 hours -
2024 budget is empty, Majority Leader is ‘clutching at straws’ – Sam George
5 hours -
AGI backs Trade Ministry on proposed L.I to restrict strategic imports
5 hours -
Speaker’s conduct over budget approval unfortunate and improper – Majority
6 hours -
The Majority side lacks the numbers to approve the budget – Ato Forson
6 hours