Russian-born businessman, former owner of Chelsea Football Club (2003-2022) and former governor of Russia's Chukotka region, with shareholdings in Evraz and Norilsk Nickel.
Is Roman Abramovich sanctioned?
Listing status
Listed
Status
Listed by 6 jurisdictions: United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand.
Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019; UK Sanctions List ref RUS0270, Group ID 14212
Listed
10 Mar 2022
Scope
Asset freeze, prohibition on UK persons dealing with him, travel ban, transport sanctions (aircraft)
Notes
The UK government stated that he has stakes in Evraz and Norilsk Nickel; its designation notice describes him as a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch. Government licences allowed Chelsea to keep operating and permitted its sale (May 2022). A licence announced on 17 December 2025 permits transfer of the sale proceeds to a Ukraine humanitarian foundation; the proceeds remain frozen.
Decision 2014/145/CFSP and Regulation (EU) No 269/2014; listed by Decision (CFSP) 2022/429 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/427 of 15 March 2022
Listed
15 Mar 2022
Scope
Asset freeze; prohibition on making funds available; entry and transit ban
Notes
The General Court dismissed his actions in T-313/22 (20 Dec 2023), T-1105/23 (10 Sep 2025) and T-358/25 (9 Sep 2026); an appeal against T-313/22 to the Court of Justice was reported in April 2024 (outcome not found). The measures were renewed to 15 September 2026 by Decision (CFSP) 2026/696 (14 Mar 2026) and extended to 22 September 2026 by Decision (CFSP) 2026/2103. Decision (CFSP) 2026/2161 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2160 of 22 September 2026 extended the measures until 22 September 2029 and deleted six persons and one entity; he was not among them.
On 15 December 2022 Canada made an order (SOR/2022-279) restraining US$26,073,990.35 held in an account of Manticore Fund (Cayman) Ltd, with Abramovich identified as ultimate beneficial owner; Global Affairs Canada said it would seek forfeiture of US$26m from Granite Capital Holdings Ltd, which it said he owns. Outcome of the forfeiture process not found. No delisting found.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade / Minister for Foreign Affairs
Instrument
Autonomous sanctions (Russia) – announced in ministerial release
Listed
14 Mar 2022
Scope
Targeted sanctions (specific measures not detailed in release)
Notes
Listing date confirmed from the ministerial release of 14 March 2022 naming him. Current status not checked against the official DFAT consolidated list (not accessible); no delisting found.
Ordinance on measures in connection with the situation in Ukraine (list mirroring EU)
Listed
16 Mar 2022
Scope
Asset freeze and reporting obligation; travel restrictions
Notes
Added on 16 March 2022 when Switzerland adopted EU listings of 197 individuals and 9 entities. Current status not checked against the official SECO list (not accessible); no delisting found.