The UK government is considering legal action against former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich regarding the frozen £2.5 billion from the sale of the football club.
Abramovich had expressed his intention to donate the money to those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
After being sanctioned by Britain due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich sold the club quickly and the proceeds were frozen.
The UK is insisting that the funds be allocated exclusively to victims in Ukraine, in accordance with a broader European effort to hold Russia accountable for the consequences of the invasion.
Abramovich is seeking more flexibility and advocating for the money to benefit all victims, rather than being limited to those in Ukraine.
In a joint statement, British finance minister, Rachel Reeves and foreign minister, David Lammy said on Tuesday: “The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
“We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.
They added that the door for negotiations would remain open, but that they were “fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required.”
