The British government is preparing for a potential court case against Roman Abramovich after he missed a deadline to release £2.4 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC. The funds were meant to support victims of the war in Ukraine, but a dispute over their use has delayed their release.
Government officials said they would take steps to prepare for litigation, having warned the Russian billionaire’s lawyers of their intention. The deadline for handing over the money passed on 17 March amid disagreements over whether it should be spent exclusively in Ukraine or elsewhere.
A government spokesperson stated: “We gave Roman Abramovich his last chance to do the right thing. Once again, he has failed to make the donation he committed to. We will now take further steps to ensure that the promise he made at the time of the Chelsea sale is kept.”
The funds are held in a UK bank account controlled by Abramovich’s company, Fordstam, which has also faced scrutiny from Jersey authorities over potential proceeds of crime. Aid charities have welcomed the government’s push for a court case but warned that delays are already harming humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Save the Children’s Alison Griffin expressed concern that legal action could further delay the release of much-needed funds for Ukrainian war victims. Meanwhile, ministers have indicated they are open to future interest gains being spent outside Ukraine, but not the current principal sum.
