British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned Roman Abramovich that "time is running out" and the Russian billionaire must fulfill his commitment and release 2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea to be donated to Ukraine, sportal.bg reported.
The Prime Minister told MPs today that a license has been issued allowing the proceeds from the sale of the London club to be transferred to a new foundation for humanitarian causes in Ukraine. If Abramovich fails to comply, the government is prepared to take legal action so that every penny "reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin's illegal war".
Abramovich sold the club in May 2022, having already been sanctioned following Vladimir Putin's invasion earlier that year. The oligarch promised to donate the proceeds from the sale to the people of Ukraine, but has so far failed to reach an agreement with the UK government on further action and the funds remain frozen.
Wednesday's decision to grant a licence for the transfer is an attempt to force Abramovich to fulfil his promise before the government takes legal action.
The Treasury said ministers would consider any offer from Abramovich to voluntarily transfer the money to Ukraine.
According to "Sky" There is a disagreement between the UK government and Abramovich because the government wants the money to go to Ukraine, while the oligarch insists that the funds go to "all the victims" of the war, which would mean some of it going to Russia.
The sale of Chelsea was carried out at a time when Abramovich was already under sanctions. It only went ahead because he was granted a special license allowing the sale, provided he could prove he would not benefit personally.
The money still legally belongs to Abramovich, but he has no access to it.