Roman Abramovich decision confirmed as former Chelsea owner loses challenge over sanctions

Roman Abramovich has seen his challenge against sanctions placed upon him by the European Union dismissed by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The former Chelsea owner hoped to see the limitations placed upon him overturned and also filed for compensation in his lawsuit against the European Union Council.

Sanctions were placed on the 57-year-old by the body after he was judged to have links to president Vladimir Putin, in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU suggested that Abramovich had 'long and close ties to Vladimir Putin' in addition to 'privieged access' that allowed him to 'maintain his considerable wealth'.

In challenging the judgment, Abramovich wanted the Union to pay €1million 'charitable foundation for victims of conflicts which is being established in connection with the sale of Chelsea FC' for damage to his reputation. Currently, money set aside for that foundation from the proceeds of Chelsea's sale remain frozen.

However, Abramovich's suit has been dismissed, though the ruling by the lower court can be appealed.

The European Court said in a press release: «The General Court of the European Union dismisses the action brought by Mr Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich, thereby upholding the restrictive measures taken against him.

»Mr Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich is a businessman of Russian, Israeli and Portuguese nationalities. He is, in particular, the majority shareholder in the parent company Evraz, one of the leading Russian groups in thhe steel and mining sector. That sector provides a substantial source of revenue to the Russian government.

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