Roman Abramovich’s £430million super yacht docked in Montenegro, amid the disqualified Chelsea owner’s recent sanctioning by the UK Government.
The Russian billionaire was one of the latest Oligarch’s to be rocked by fresh sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea were one of many assets to be frozen, amid the government’s pledge to ensure any individuals associated with Vladimir Putin will not have a “safe haven” in the UK.
However, the yacht, which is also known as The Solaris, is believed to have been hurried out of its Barcelona to Montenegro, in an attempt to evade Western Europe.
And the 460ft vessel is believed to have docked in the port of Tivat on Tuesday, two days before Abramovich was hit by sanctions.
The Daily Mail reported the vessel’s arrival in Montenegro, claiming it was ushered out of Spanish waters in the hope that it will not be sanctioned by the European Union (EU).
Currently, Montenegro is not a part of the EU, but is it believed to be planning on becoming a member in 2025.
For the time being, this could make the Eastern European country a safe haven for Abramovich, who has already seen Chelsea taken away from him.
Soon after Abramovich was placed on the sanctioned list, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said reiterated the UK’s determination to ensure there were no “safe havens” for individuals with ties who have ties with Putin.
“There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin's vicious assault on Ukraine,” Johnson said.
“We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.”
Following the government sanctions, Abramovich was also recently disqualified by the Premier League from being a director of the club.
"Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK Government, the Premier League board has disqualified Roman Abramovich as a director of Chelsea Football Club,” a statement from the Premier League stated.
Chelsea’s seizure from Abramovich has plunged the club into extreme insecurity and uncertainty.
The regulations dictated the club were not able to sell any match tickets or club merchandise until further notice.
They are also not allowed to sell or sign any prospective players while under the conditions, and are also forbidden from committing any existing players to new contracts.
Their shirt sponsor Three also announced that they had suspended their sponsorship while the club were under sanctions.
However, reports from the Daily Telegraph have cited a glimmer of hope for the west Londoners, as an agreement with government officials to allow the sale of the club has reportedly been struck.
Before his sanctioning, Abramovich was in the process of gathering potential bids for the club after announcing he had put them up for sale.
It is also understood that Abramovich has instructed The Raine Group, who are facilitating and overseeing the sale of the club, to continue the process of finding a buyer.
The Todd Boehly-led consortium are believed to be keen on a club, while British tycoon Nick Candy is also understood to be monitoring the situation – he is also reportedly going to be in attendance for Chelsea’s home match against Newcastle United.
