UK lowers the sanction boom on Chelsea's (soccer) Abramovich
Chelsea future in limbo as owner Roman Abramovich added to UK's Russian sanctions list
https://www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea-engchelsea/story/4613373/chelsea-owner-roman-abramovich-added-to-uks-russian-sanctions-list
Later on Thursday, Chelsea shirt sponsor Three announced they were suspending their relationship with the club following the sanctions.
The shock announcement on Thursday morning means Abramovich's attempts to sell the club are on hold for the time being. Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that Abramovich had received multiple bids for the club -- including one consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss -- but that none was close to matching his £3 billion valuation.
Where the proceeds of any sale would go is something that would be defined under the terms of a new licence to permit a sale. However, sources have told ESPN that the starting point would likely be that Abramovich could not benefit while assets are frozen.
Chelsea are effectively not allowed to generate income outside of existing contracts, so they can continue to receive broadcast money and season-ticket holders will be allowed to attend matches.
But they can no longer sell new tickets for future matches and the club shop will have to close.