UK adds Russian billionaire and Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich to sanctions list

Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea smiles following his team’s victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal.

The U.K. authorities have imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich, the outgoing owner of the soccer team.

The British government said Thursday that it had added seven Russian businessmen to its sanctions list.

The new list includes more members of Putin's inner circle.

All seven men will have their assets frozen.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there can be no safe havens for those who supported Putin.

The sale of his U.K. assets followed last week's announcement that he would sell his prized Chelsea soccer club, along with a string of luxury London properties.

The sale of the club was in the best interest of the club, and all net proceeds from the sale would be donated.

The U.K. sports ministry said it would work closely with the club and football league to make sure matches continue.

The license will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities.

British lawmakers have been calling for the targeting ofAbramovich, who had avoided the sanctions faced by some of his peers even as he publicly shed several of his most valuable ties to the U.K.

The government's commitment to pressuring those with ties to the Kremlin is demonstrated by Thursday's move.

Today's sanctions are the latest step in the U.K.'s support for the Ukrainian people. He said that they will be ruthless in pursuing those who allow the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of allies.