Potential buyers for Chelsea told to approach UK government

Anyone interested in buying Chelsea Football Club can make a proposal to the government, Britain said on Friday, after ministers sanctioned owner Roman Abramovich and halted his planned sale of the Premier League side.

The British government, which has been under pressure to ramp up sanctions on Russian oligarchs after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last month, imposed a travel ban and froze Abramovich's assets on Thursday.

The announcement brought to a halt his recently announced plans to sell the London club, which he had expected to fetch more than three billion pounds ($3.9 billion). 

The club is now effectively controlled by the government and permitted to operate under strict conditions which prevent transfer deals and new ticket sales and even forced the club merchandise store to close. 

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"However, if a buyer emerged it would be open to that buyer or to that football club to approach the government and ask for the conditions to be varied in a way that allows that sale to take place."

British property developer Nick Candy remains interested in making a bid, a spokesperson said in a statement, and was examining the details of Thursday's sanctions announcement. 

Chelsea said on Thursday it would seek changes to the licence under which it must now operate to allow the club to continue as normal as possible. The government has said that while Abramovich cannot benefit financially from the club, some changes might be possible.

"We're in constant contact with the club...It's now up to the club to apply for any amended licence," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said.

"Chelsea have said that they will do that, and we'll obviously work with the club and... the league to consider any operationally necessary changes." 

SUSPENDED TIES

Separately, London-listed Russian steelmaker Evraz EVRE.L, in which Abramovich is the largest shareholder with a 28.6% stake according to Refinitiv Eikon, said on Friday that 10 of its 11 board members had quit. 

While Chelsea's main shirt sponsor, mobile network Three, has suspended ties, another sponsor, Trivago, said they were looking forward to the change in ownership as soon as possible.

"The uncertainty over the current ownership situation of Chelsea FC has been challenging. Moving forward, it is important to us to continue supporting the club," the internet hotel search firm said in a statement.

"We are looking forward to a transition of ownership as soon as possible and want to support the club in this process."

Three said on Thursday it had asked the club to remove its logo and was suspending its relationship, while shirt sleeve sponsor Hyundai Motor said it was considering its next move.