Chelsea FC: Releasing Funds from Sale

Baroness Kramer Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

The Government’s position is that Mr Abramovich gave a deed of undertaking when Chelsea was sold that, for the sale to take place, he would meet conditions under European law that the full sale proceeds would go to humanitarian purposes in the Ukraine. That remains the position.

[Baroness Kramer (LD)]

My Lords, do the Government understand that this legal warfare and paralysis is playing right into Putin’s hands by failing to deliver moneys that should be going to humanitarian causes in Ukraine because of constant delays. I am very concerned that £1.4 billion is not transferred to companies owned by Abramovich that claim they made loans to the entity and therefore have first rights. Can the Minister give us the Government’s assurance on that issue?

This is turning into Jarndyce v Jarndyce. How much is being consumed in legal fees and how much will that deplete the money that goes to the very worthy causes for which it is intended?

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

As I said, the Government have laid out a clear legal route for the transfer of the money and are fully prepared to go to court if necessary to enforce the commitment that was made when Chelsea was sold. But, as the noble Baroness would expect, it would be ill advised for the Government to publicly discuss any potential litigation strategy.