The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, has threatened to take the former Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich will appear in court unless he pays the money owed to war victims in Ukraine following its sale. Premier League Club

Russian oligarch Abramovich was granted a special license by the British government for his 2022 sale of Chelsea, although he would not make a profit. Russia invaded Ukraine in February of that year.

Abramovich promised at the time that money from the sale of the club would go to war victims. A consortium led by Todd Bohly completed a takeover deal worth up to $4.25 billion in May of that year.

Starr sends message to ex-Chelsea owner

The money remains in a bank account after the sale after Abramovich was hit with sanctions in the wake of the invasion, with the release of the funds delayed due to a disagreement between the British government and the 59-year-old’s lawyers.

Speaking in the House of Commons on WednesdayStarmer said: “I can announce that we are issuing a license to transfer £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, which is fixed from 2022.

“My message to Abramovich is this: the clock is ticking.

“Honor the commitment you made and pay now, and if you don’t we are prepared to go to court and make sure every penny goes to the people whose lives have been ruined by Putin’s illegal war.”

The terms of the license state that the move must be made in Ukraine for humanitarian reasons. However, future benefits can be exercised on victims of conflict around the world. Abramovich or other Russian individuals under sanctions may not benefit.

Abramovich is unable to access $2.5bn under UK sanctions, although the money is still legally his.