A Labour MP has called on Roman Abramovich to be banned from owning Chelsea in light of the latest developments in Ukraine.
Russia invaded their neighboring country overnight and Boris Johnson has promised a ‘massive’ package of economic measures in tandem with the US and European Union to cripple the Russian economy.
Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, with his investment helping the club to countless trophies – including five Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues.
There is no suggestion the Russian oligarch is connected to terrorism or involved in any wrongdoing, even though Prime Minister Boris Johnson mistakenly told the House of Commons he’d been sanctioned by the government.
Nevertheless, Labour MP Chris Bryant is adamant Abramovich’s assets should be seized following the news from Ukraine.
“Surely we should be looking at seizing some of his assets, including his £152m home? And making sure that other people who’ve had tier one visas like this are not engaged in malign activity in the UK.”
Earlier this week the government announced it would impose sanctions on three billionaires with close links to President Vladimir Putin as part of the UK’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Abramovich declined to comment.