The UK government has sanctioned Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, thereby barring the club's sale due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
All of the assets of the billionaire Russian oligarch will be frozen, and he will be barred from entering the United Kingdom and doing business there.
Chelsea will be granted a special licence to continue playing, according to the UK Sun, although Abramovich will not profit from the club. The club is also not permitted to sell tickets, with season ticket holders being the only ones permitted to attend games.
In a statement on Thursday March 10, UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said: "There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s savage assault on Ukraine.
"The sanctions imposed today are the latest manifestation of the United Kingdom's steadfast support for the Ukrainian people.
"Those who allow the massacre of civilians, the devastation of hospitals, and the illegitimate takeover of sovereign allies will be pursued ruthlessly."
Abramovich is one of seven Putin cronies sanctioned today in order to keep wringing Russia's neck for invading Ukraine.
Following the commencement of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, news broke last week that Abramovich had put the club for sale.
The billionaire, however, is unable to sell the five-time Premier League winners, and the UK Government would have to grant special permission for the transfer, with Abramovich receiving no compensation directly or indirectly.