Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Russia Invasion: Britain considers taking over Chelsea from Abramovich

“Surely Mr Abramovich should no longer be able to own a football club in this country.”

• February 24, 2022
Roman Abramovich
Roman Abramovich

Members of the British parliament are proposing to ban Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich from ownership of his club Chelsea FC.

This move comes after an exclusive from British newspaper The Sun revealed that Mr Abramovich withdrew his application for a UK Tier 1 investor visa in 2018 due to pressure in the wake of the nerve gas atrocity in Salisbury, Wilts.

British Labour MP Chris Bryant, who revealed details of the explosive security memo about Mr Abramovich, says the Chelsea owner is a person ‘of interest’ to the Home Office because of his ties to corrupt activity and practices.

“Following some of the reports in The Sun and other newspapers today, I’ve got hold of a leaked document from 2019 from the Home Office.

“Surely we should be looking at seizing some of his assets, including his 152 million pound home and making sure that other people who’ve had tier one visas like this are not engaged in malign activity in the UK.

“That’s nearly three years ago, and yet remarkably little has been done in relation. Surely Mr Abramovich should no longer be able to own a football club in this country,” Mr Bryant said according to newspaper.

The leaked 2019 report which placed Mr Abramovich on a ‘black list’ for a British residence permit is primarily based on his links to the Russian state and links to corrupt activities and practices.

“As part of HMGs Russia strategy, aimed at targeting illicit activity, Abramovich remains of interest to HMG due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices.

“An example of this is Abramovich admitting in court proceedings that he paid for political influence.

“Therefore, HMG is focused on ensuring individuals linked to illicit finance and malign activity are unable to base themselves in the UK and will relevant tools at its disposal – including immigration powers – to prevent this,” the report read.

The west continues to meet to outline sanctions against Russia as a response to its invasion of Ukraine. Several of these sanctions are economic-based and targeted at Russian oligarchs and lawmakers.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Senate

NationWide

Senate urges FG to intensify military operations against terrorists, bandits

Mr Bamidele paid tribute to three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Heading 2

Fear mounts as gunmen kill Lagos NURTW organising secretary

The Lagos NURTW chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, said Mr Ajiboye’s demise of left him “deeply saddened and heartbroken.”

Heading 1

Alleged Fake Agency: Judge orders PFIPC DG Adeyemi’s arrest for failing to appear in court

Judge Mohammed Umar issued the warrant of arrest while rescheduling Mr Adeyemi’s arraignment for September 30.

NationWide

FTAN seeks review of NIHOTOUR, NTDA Acts over duplicated regulatory functions

Concerns over overlapping regulatory powers have fuelled controversy around the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts.

Ride-hailing apps

Lagos

Ride-hailing drivers’ union suspends Lagos chairman over alleged gross misconduct

AUATON was established to protect platform workers from exploitation and unsafe working conditions.

Sport

Tension over Argentina, England World Cup semi-final showdown

England reached the semifinals after defeating Norway 2–1 in the quarterfinals, inspired by Bellingham’s outstanding form.