The UK government has been urged to take action against Roman Abramovich, including the removal of his Chelsea ownership.

In response to the ongoing geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine, Labour MP Chris Bryant has urged the UK government to take strong actions against Roman Abramovich, reports BBC. The Russian oligarch is among the richest men in the world and is believed to be one of the main enablers of the Vladimir Putin regime.

Owner of a private investment company, Millhouse LLC, and former majority stakeholder of a Russian oil firm Sibneft, Abramovich bought the stakes at Chelsea back in June 2003. His arrival saw the rapid commercial evolvement of the west London outfit as he embarked on a project to make the Blues one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Abramovich has always received the warm support of the Chelsea fans due to his commitment and passion towards the club. He is among the audience in almost every game and plays a key role in making the sporting decisions at the club. Under his reign, the Blues have won 18 trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles.

At the same time, Chelsea have been involved in nefarious business transactions, notably spending a fortune in the transfer market despite registering losses during the first few years of the takeover. Abramovich himself has been accused of buying the club under the behest of Vladimir Putin, though the Russian has denied such claims.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr. Bryant referred to a leaked Home Office document that had mentions of his misdoings. He went on to suggest Abramovich’s financial assets should be seized, including his ownership of the Chelsea football club.

Quoting from the leaked Home Office document, he said, “As part of HMG’s [Her Majesty’s Government] Russia strategy aimed at targeting illicit finance and malign 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 use the relevant tools at its disposal, including immigration powers, to prevent this.”

Mr. Bryant went on to urge the UK government to seize the assets of Roman Abramovich, including his home in London, “Surely Mr Abramovich should no longer be able to own a football club in this country? Surely we should be looking at seizing some of his assets including his £152m home?”

The scrutiny on Roman Abramovich is not the only football-related consequence of the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as even UEFA have relocated the Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris, while Schalke’s board member Matthias Warnig, a close ally of Putin, was forced to resign after being put on the US sanction list.

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