The UK government has told Chelsea fans to cease chanting Abramovich’s name.
Chelsea fans must cease screaming Russian owner Roman Abramovich’s name, according to a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
After the British government sanctioned Abramovich last week as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Blues fans once again demonstrated their support for him during Sunday’s home triumph against Newcastle.
Abramovich’s assets were blocked, and Chelsea was given a special license that allows them to continue operating but not create additional revenue.
The billionaire, characterized by the UK government as a member of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, has led Chelsea to unprecedented success since taking over the club in 2003.
However, Johnson’s spokeswoman stated that the chanting had to stop.
“We recognize the intensity of emotion surrounding people’s clubs, but that does not excuse behavior that is utterly unacceptable at this time,” he said.
“I believe that individuals may show their love and support for their club without resorting to such tactics.”
Abramovich put the Premier League team up for sale on March 2, and it is believed that a number of interested parties are still in the running despite the enforcement of fines.
Among them are British billionaire Nick Candy, a partnership led by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss, as well as former Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton.
The government has stated that it is still “open” to selling Chelsea, but that a new application would be required.
So far, the club has not requested for a change to its rigorous special permit, according to the prime minister’s spokesman.
The government will oversee the selling process to guarantee that Abramovich receives no advantage, with Raine Group, a New York merchant bank, overseeing the transaction.
