Roman Abramovich is confident he will be able to attend Chelsea fixtures this season despite his ongoing visa issues with the British government.
Abramovich withdrew an application for a British visa at the start of June following reported delays in his application.
His previous tier-1 visa, which allows people who invest more than £2m in the British economy to stay for 40 months, had been granted before more stringent regulations were introduced in April 2015.
The British government launched a crackdown on wealthy investors coming to the UK after the Salisbury poisoning, as part of measures that have increased tensions between Britain and the Russian government.
Abroamovich, who does not currently intend to re-apply for a British visa, instead secured an Israeli passport. Israeli citizens may visit the UK as a visitor for a 'maximum period of six months' but are required to obtain a UK visa if they want to 'live, work or study' in the UK.
The definition of the word 'work' is therefore crucial to Abramovich's cause and raised questions as to how he would continue to manage his affairs at Chelsea.
Abramovich did, for example, miss the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley amid the uncertainty and the club's plans for the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge were also put on hold due to an 'unfavourable investment climate.'
However, under his Israeli citizenship, Abramovich is said to be confident he can run the club as usual.
As he does not have a job title at Chelsea, is not a member of the club's board and does not take a salary from the club beyond dividends, he would not consider himself to be 'working' if he attends meetings or watches games on the premises of the club that he owns.
As such, Chelsea supporters can expect to see him in the stands at Stamford Bridge this season, although he is not expected at the first home game of the season against Arsenal this weekend as he is usually on holiday in France at this time of year.
The Home Office declined to comment.
CR7ICON
1
he doesn't need a visa to reach chelsea...cell phones and the internet are available
tuhlou
1
Chelsea has won 15 trophies in past 15 years since abramovich took over, the highest number in England. rather than respect and pamper him, British government has frustrated him out of the country. but terrorists who cause public disorder are allowed into the country. what a shame.
yuabiltuyz
0
What an owner. Hope he is there tomorrow to see a new banner unveiled in his honor.
😂😂😂You're not being nice here
tundexbenzon
0
More stringent measure needs to be put in place. Those Russian MAFIA are up for something unspeakable.
I can see you are one of the enemies of progress of the world, how can you categorise a man that invested to the English league and change English football as a mafia? so it now that you recognize that? why do the British allowed him to takeover the club at the first place if they think the Russian are into dirty money? ungrateful set of people.
MistyBeatz
1
They know Roman has money than the U.K governor that why they are doing this,But we thank God he is back to watch our matches this season
Pahabckl
1
THIS IS WHY THE PEOPLE U COLONISE WILL RULE U SOONEXT BC OF UR INSINCERITY. GOD IS NO RESPECTA OF PEOPLE. CHANGE UR CHARACTER NOW, SOMEONE WHO HAS GIVEN U EVERYTHING, MONEY FROM TAX, EMPLOYMENT, FAME ETC
Kaycknory
2
the UK government should bury their faces in shame. With the huge capital Roman has injected into the UK economy, with the fame he has brought to the league by making it the most competitive, and with the array of investors that his presence has brought to the league and UK in general he should be given a preferential treatment and stop playing politics where they ought not to play it. God bless Roman Abrahamovic for the good work he has done, he is doing and would do.
poecmosty
2
More stringent measure needs to be put in place. Those Russian MAFIA are up for something unspeakable.
wisaeirst
2
the money making machine, the billionaire, can't wait to see you at ur stand ####Bridge $$$$$Chelsea for life.
Herve2
1
UK UK UK nonsense
sunnysayus
3
England should be lenient with these investors.Apart from the fact that the investors are earning from their investments,there is no gainsaying the fact that the country is also benefitting from them economically.The liveliness and competitiveness they brought to England too are things that are really helping the league and increases its rating in Europe.Abramovich particularly has done a lot to raise Chelsea FC and his presence in England also encouraged other investors.
tsunamia
0
If Chelsea linked up with Usmanov as well, that would scare the rest of the EPL, especially Arsenal and Spurs.
Realplayere
0
I believe the voice of reason is oir fan in disguise, otherwise how could anyone explain such an obsession?
Everley
1
First of, Roman has invested more than 2 billions, not millions. Secondly: it¿s real shame how Russophobic, hateful politic of Teressssa and Borrris poisoned the investment climate today
fashionman
1
The Salisbury poisoning affair has nothing to do with Roman Abramovich. UK govt is just being childish.
lopsided
0
But this is a complete disrespect to Roman, he has multi million dollars investments in that country and he can't come in??
sinecurea
0
Typical UK MP's with self interest, not sure any UK subject feels scared of the Chelsea manager. he is no threat whatsoever, MP's have allowed far more questionable people into UK than Abramovich. One thing is for sure is, once his status is accepted in UK, Chelsea will compete every match, man for man. Chelsea's ultimate aim is to compete with Man City on a level playing field.
biscuit
0
Roman's temporary absence does not worry me. All I am concerned about is that Levy of Tottenham is allowed in the country at all times, to continue unhindered in his loser-leadership of his miserable loser-club for as long as possible.
favorite
0
What an owner. Hope he is there tomorrow to see a new banner unveiled in his honor.
yitbikrtu
17
good job bro, make us proud, up Chelsea 4 life. Mr. Roma d lord is ur strength, keep it up, good job good club and good fans, one love
Yorokiri
6
Abrahimovich brought what have never being seen before to England and with is money he took Chelsea to the summit and broke the United/Arsenal Monopoly, he brought Competition to English football... I don't think he deserves this type of treatment from the British government!!! @Respect Mr Roman
kizzkidf
2
ur the best mr
dessyboy2016
2
SSE you soon sir
Maeadoyz
2
see you soon
Samorik
5
See you soon Sir.