The British government has approved the sale of Chelsea Football Club months after it placed sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the longtime owner of the London-based team.
"Last night, the Government issued a license that permits the sale of @ChelseaFC," Nadine Dorries, the British cabinet minister responsible for sports, tweeted Wednesday morning. "Given the sanctions we placed on those linked to Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the club's long-term future can only be secured under a new owner."
Dorries said the British government was "satisfied the sale proceeds will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals." Abramovich, who British officials note has ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was placed under sanctions in March after London came under pressure to punish Kremlin-linked oligarchs.