Premier League disqualifies Roman Abramovich from being Chelsea's director

UEFA disqualified Roman Abramovich from serving as a Chelsea director following the British government's sanctions against the Russian billionaire following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea is prohibited from signing new players, renewing contracts, selling tickets to games, and spending money on travel to away matches as a result of the sanctions aimed at Abramovich.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has referred to Abramovich as being part of Putin's inner circle, despite his denials of affiliation with him. Now the Premier League has taken action against him.

Putin has referred to Abramovich as being part of Putin's inner circle, despite his denials of affiliation with him. Now the Premier League has taken action against him.

According to a Premier League statement on Saturday, following the imposition of sanctions by the UK Government, Roman Abramovich has been disqualified from being a director at Chelsea.

"The board's decision does not impact on the club's ability to train and play its fixtures, as set out under the terms of a license issued by the Government, which expires on May 31 2022."

In the wake of Abramovich's announcement to sell Chelsea, a host of potential purchasers have already expressed their interest in a club that has won 19 major trophies since he acquired it in 2003.

Although the government is still open to a sale, a new license will need to be approved, with the provision that the Russian does not profit from the sale of the club. The Russian has bankrolled the club with about £1.5 billion ($2 billion).

The sanctions are already having an impact on Chelsea, as shirt sponsor Three suspended its £40 million deal.

Trivago, Chelsea's official training wear sponsor, said Friday it still remained committed to the club despite the "challenging" situation.

On Friday, several credit cards at Chelsea were temporarily frozen while they negotiated the terms of their special operating license with the government.

Premier League leaders Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday as they seek to retain third place.