Money that has been collected from the sale of Chelsea, which was supposed to benefit the victims of the war in Ukraine, has still not been released.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the proceeds from the sale of £ 2.5 billion will remain frozen almost three years ago in a British bank account.
Former owner Roman Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea in May 2022.
He was punished by the British government of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the full invasion of Russia in Ukraine because of his narrow ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When asked what happened on Monday, a spokesperson for the foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “This government is working hard to ensure that the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC humanitarian causes in Ukraine reach as quickly as possible.
“The proceeds are currently frozen in a British bank account, while a new independent foundation is being established to manage and distribute the money.
“British officials continue to have discussions with the representatives of Mr Abramovich, experts and international partners, and we will double our efforts to achieve a resolution.”
The position of the British government – which has not changed since the Labor Party of Sir Keir Starmer has replaced the conservatives – is that the money can only be used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine.
Abramovich has said that he wants the funds to go to “all the victims of the war”, which could mean that part of the money goes to Russia.
The Charity Commission has confirmed that they have not yet received an application to set up a foundation to distribute the funds.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves signed a deal on Saturday with the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko to deliver £ 2.2 billion financing to the army of Ukraine.
The financing is reimbursed with the help of the profit generated for sanctioned Russian sovereign assets in the European Union.
The funds include none of the proceeds from the Chelsea sales.
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