The UK government is preparing for a potential court case against Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich after he missed a deadline to release £2.4bn from the sale of Chelsea FC. The funds were meant to support victims of the Ukraine war, but Abramovich failed to hand over the money by the 17 March deadline amid a dispute over its use.
Government officials have written to Abramovich's lawyers warning of legal action, stating they will take steps to ensure the money is spent for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. A government spokesperson said: 'We gave Roman Abramovich his last chance to do the right thing. Once again, he has failed to make the donation he committed to.'
Abramovich sold Chelsea in 2022 under government pressure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Due to sanctions, he was granted a licence to sell the club on condition the proceeds go to Ukraine war victims. However, the two sides remain deadlocked over whether the funds should be spent exclusively in Ukraine or elsewhere. The money is held in a UK bank account controlled by Abramovich's company, Fordstam.
Aid charities welcomed the government's move but warned delays are hurting Ukraine. Bond, representing development organisations, urged the government to allow interest accrued since the sale—estimated at £200m—to be spent outside Ukraine. Save the Children's Alison Griffin said: 'The news that the government is planning to take Roman Abramovich to court to free the Chelsea fund is a significant development. However, we are deeply concerned that this will only further delay the release of these much-needed funds.'
