The UK has announced a full asset freeze on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who is worth more than £9 billion as part of a crackdown on influential oligarchs. 

He also faces a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban on entering or remaining in the UK and transport sanctions. 

The UK has also announced sanctions on six others who together with Mr Abramovich are thought to have a collective net worth of around £15b. 

In a statement, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said, “Putin’s attack on Ukraine continues & we are witnessing new levels of evil by the hour. 

“Today the Government has announced further sanctions against individuals linked to the Russian Government. 

“This list includes Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea Football Club.”

She added that a special license will allow the club to continue fulfilling fixtures and paying staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.

“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.  

“We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”