Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
Konongo crash leaves multiple injured
6 minutes -
Book Launch: Political Economy of Institutionalising Monitoring & Evaluation Practice in Africa
17 minutes -
Residents protest destruction of sacred Dodowa Forest for interim market
18 minutes -
New York Knicks win NBA championship for first time in over 50 years
42 minutes -
Panic as body of 67-year-old woman is stolen from Adevukope cemetery
47 minutes -
Unidentified road crash victim at 37 Military Hospital yet to be claimed
53 minutes -
High Court orders Greater Accra Regional Minister to be served for alleged contempt
2 hours -
Court did not encourage reconciliation in Nyinahin SHS assault case — Judicial Service
2 hours -
Refuse crisis deepens as over 500 Aboboyaa riders queue for hours
3 hours -
McGinn the hero as Scotland clinch memorable victory
3 hours -
Iran win four staff visa appeals but 11 banned
4 hours -
Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princess’s son Høiby
5 hours -
Suspected armed robber dies from gunshot wound after snatching a taxi at La
5 hours -
Over 458,000 children miss school due to child labour in Ghana — CHRAJ
6 hours -
2026 World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw as Brazil come from behind
6 hours