Source:REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Roman Abramovich has hired several top lawyers to defend him in legal proceedings in Jersey, a case that could significantly impact the release of funds from the sale of Chelsea. Since 2022, the Jersey court has frozen over £5.3 billion of Abramovich’s assets following an investigation by the Jersey government into the source of his funds, making this a complex legal case.
Abramovich’s representatives stated that before the Jersey government abandons its investigation and legal actions, £1.4 billion of the £2.35 billion from the sale of Chelsea will be unavailable for distribution to the foundation. Abramovich’s side is seeking the Jersey government to cover part of his legal costs and is preparing to claim about £2.5 million in damages.
The £2.35 billion from the sale of Chelsea, along with £150 million in interest, has been frozen in the bank account of Abramovich’s company Fordstam Ltd since 2022. The latest company accounts indicate that there is a debt of £1.429 billion owed to Cambiaso Risso International Investments, a company registered by Abramovich in Jersey. The accounts show that the “net proceeds after deducting other balance sheet items” will be donated to the charitable foundation.