At the time Abramovich stated he chose to sell up because it was "in the best interests of the club". Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had set a deadline of March 17 for Abramovich to release the entirety of the £2.35bn to go to a new foundation for Ukraine with legal action threatened. The Russian wants the funds to be used to help all victims of the war there and is ready for a legal battle. Tories branded 'pathetic' as minister rips apart Kemi Badenoch over Roman Abramovich row READ MORE :JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Cooper had also said, before Abramovich's lawyers laid down their stance: "I'm urging him not to try and pursue further court action."

Source: Daily Mirror March 09, 2026 17:53 UTC