The UK government is preparing to take legal action to access over £2 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, which was frozen in a UK bank account following Roman Abramovich’s forced exit from the club.

Abramovich, the former Chelsea owner, was sanctioned by the UK government due to his alleged ties to the Russian government. As a result, the proceeds from the club’s sale in 2022 have remained untouched. The government intends to use the funds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, but negotiations with Abramovich’s representatives have stalled over disagreements regarding how the money should be allocated.

Officials insist the full amount should be used exclusively to support Ukraine, while Abramovich’s team reportedly wants some control over the distribution. With talks at a standstill, the government is now considering legal action to resolve the matter and unlock the funds for Ukraine relief efforts.

This legal battle could have significant implications, not just for Chelsea’s former ownership but also for how the UK government handles seized assets in the future.