Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich makes rare trip to London

The businessman has not been seen in London since he had visa problems in 2018

Nick Purewal
Tuesday 05 October 2021 15:38 BST
Who is Roman Abramovich?

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made a rare trip to London to visit family.

Abramovich’s spokesperson confirmed the Stamford Bridge club chief has travelled to the United Kingdom to see relatives.

It is understood the Russian-Israeli businessman could visit Chelsea while in London.

Abramovich had issues around his entrepreneurial visa in 2018, after which the 54-year-old has not been spotted in London.

The Chelsea owner did attend the Blues’ Europa League final victory in Baku in 2019, and the Champions League final win over Manchester City in Porto in May.

Abramovich’s spokesperson confirmed he has travelled to London as an Israeli citizen, therefore entering the United Kingdom without the need for a visa.

The Chelsea boss’ visit to London represents a further underlining of his commitment to the club.

Abramovich’s visa wangles put paid to a planned rebuild of Stamford Bridge, but the Blues have undergone a significant transformation of the playing squad in the last 18 months.

Frank Lampard was backed with a host of marquee signings during his managerial tenure, and Romelu Lukaku arrived at the club this summer for £98million.

Roman Abramovich, second left, with Cesar Azpilicueta, second right, and the Champions League trophy (Adam Davy/PA)
Roman Abramovich, second left, with Cesar Azpilicueta, second right, and the Champions League trophy (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Abramovich’s visit to London will add further weight to his continued backing of the Blues, allied to the club’s ongoing community work that ran right through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chelsea’s long-running Say No To Anti-Semitism and the No To Hate campaigns have also been funded heavily by Abramovich.

The Blues supremo could also have the chance to see the Imperial War Museum’s new Holocaust Gallery that will open during his London visit.

Abramovich’s spokesperson declined to confirm whether he will visit the museum, but the high-profile Chelsea owner has been a major donor to the project.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in