UK Government Demands Roman Abramovich Hand Over Chelsea Sale Proceeds for Ukraine Relief
On 17 December 2025, reports revealed that the UK government has threatened to sue Roman Abramovich if he does not hand over the profits from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to support Ukrainian victims. The government is demanding £2.5 billion from the sale proceeds to be used for Ukraine relief.
Abramovich, who was sanctioned and forced to sell Chelsea in 2022, has not publicly indicated compliance with the demand. Chelsea-era accounts show £2.35 billion in frozen proceeds from the sale, with £1.54 billion of loans from Fordstam to Abramovich-controlled entities. If these loans are repaid, approximately £923 million would remain available for humanitarian causes.
However, the 2022 Chelsea statement claimed that no loans would be repaid and that the net proceeds of sale would be gifted after other balance-sheet items. The government has also indicated that future gains earned by the foundation could be spent more broadly on victims of conflict worldwide, potentially expanding beneficiaries beyond Ukraine.
Key unresolved issues include whether sanctions can be maintained should Ukraine peace talks occur, and whether Abramovich could ultimately use Chelsea funds as he wishes if he delays legal action.
