Chelsea FC: Releasing Funds from Sale

Baroness D'Souza Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness D’Souza]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what discussions are being held at Cabinet level about the use of funds resulting from the sale of the Chelsea Football Club to support survivors in Ukraine.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury (Lord Pitt-Watson) (Lab)]

My Lords, Ministers continue to engage across government on this issue. The Government have provided a clear legal route for the proceeds to be transferred for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Our priority is ensuring that they reach Ukraine as soon as possible. The door remains open for Mr Abramovich to act, but the Government are fully prepared to go to court if necessary to enforce the commitment he made when Chelsea Football Club was sold.

[Lord Shamash (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Baroness D’Souza (CB)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his response. Despite what he says, even though the Government promised there would be court action in the event of non-settlement of the issue with Mr Abramovich, that court action has not taken place. I would really like the Minister to answer on that. Furthermore, the fact remains that a considerable amount of money intended to alleviate suffering in Ukraine remains in limbo. There must be other steps that the Government could take to end this four-year impasse between Abramovich and the Government on how the funds might be used. One suggestion might be to facilitate the charitable registration and work of the foundation that was established to manage the funds, which already been granted an initial government licence for distribution of aid in Ukraine.

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

Let me be clear about this. On 17 December last year, the Government issued a licence creating a clear legal route for the transfer of £2.5 billion of Chelsea FC sale proceeds. Those funds have not yet been released. I imagine the noble Baroness is referring to the Foundation for the Victims of Conflict? I see she is nodding. It is for the Charity Commission to review that application. We have written to the application sponsor, Mike Penrose, and are awaiting his reply. If that charity is approved, the Government’s licence is clear that any money from the sale must go to humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. However, noble Lords will understand that because of the legal procedures that might take place, I am limited in what I should say publicly to your Lordships’ House.