"If the sanctions on Abramovich put pressure on Putin, it is for the best" - Sky

Football is seeing some of the most mind-blowing, movie-like scenes recently; specifically regarding Chelsea. 

The club's owner, Roman Abramovich, had announced the football club was up for sale with an asking price believed to be about £3-billion (R60-billion). 

READ MORE: Roman Abramovich: Chelsea tycoon scrambling to save empire

This all has come to a pause following the UK government's sanctions on the football tycoon.  

This state of limbo, which may have a huge impact on the European champion's finances, is linked to Abramovich having a close relationship with Russia's Vladimir Putin. 

His assets have been frozen, broadcast and prize money will be frozen, and the special licence to fulfil their fixtures is limited to “football-related activity. This means the west London side will be unable to sign players, renew existing playing contracts or operate on a commercial level, and means Abramovich will need approval from the UK government before selling the Stamford Bridge club."

READ MORE: Russia, Ukraine fail to make progress at 'difficult' Turkey talks

Sky respects the work that Abramovich has done for Chelsea in growing it into one of the outstanding football clubs in the world. 

Nevertheless, he is a Russia oligarch and can (hopefully) somehow have an influence on Putin and his decisions regarding Ukraine's invasion. 

It is just sad that these are the effects of the war - Abramovich, Chelsea players and fans, fellow football clubs, and stakeholders all negatively affected in this regard. 

Main Image Courtesy: AFP