Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has put the club's stadium plans on hold after delays to the renewal of his UK visa.

The redeveloped Stamford Bridge will be Europe's most expensive stadium at £1bn.

The estimated cost for a new 60,000 seat Stamford Bridge has increased to £1bn after delays, which included a dispute with a local family.
Abramovich is unwilling to invest in a major project in a country where he is not allowed work.
The 51-year-old's UK investor visa expired some weeks ago.
In 2015, changes to the visa process mean applicants may be required to to prove the origins of their wealth.

But it is understood that Abramovich's decision will have no impact on the running of the football team.
The delay in issuing him a new visa comes amid increased diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.

The UK government has refused to comment on his individual case.

Chelsea issued a statement saying the club had delayed work on Stamford Bridge because of "the current unfavourable investment climate".
It added: "No further pre-construction design and planning work will occur. The club does not have a time frame set for reconsideration of its decision."
Plans were under consideration to move Chelsea matches to Wembley stadium for the four years it would take to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

Although the future of Wembley is in doubt after Fulham owner Shahid Khan offered £600m to buy the stadium from the Football Association, it is not thought to be a factor in Chelsea's decision.
Christian Purslow, who left his role as managing director last year after three seasons at the club, said: "It's been a very difficult project. Costs have skyrocketed.
"I have thought for some time it's a project that would not get off the ground. It was always an extremely marginal project financially and a very difficult project practically. I think it's a really sensible decision to put this on hold."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44315033

Funny country.
You deny the poor visa to ur country, we understand but denying a billionaire and an investor the chance of visa renewal is absolute nonsense

Lol

UK government... you de craze!! Better roll out the red-carpet and bring him and his money back

Moses @Age 12, 'I want to become a doctor'
@20, 'Science class is hard jare'
@27 'It's your boy DJ Osmoses. Make some noise'

Lovely��

de

Not my business.

nnamdiokere45:
Funny country.
You deny the poor visa to ur country, we understand but denying a billionaire and an investor the chance of visa renewal is absolute nonsense

I wonder o. It's Diplomatic issues Sha.

Rent FC is in trouble

Standford bridge is falling down my dear lady

UK dey form tough against Russia wey fit crush am if war comes

This is another testament that in a civilised setting, everybody should be treated equally - rich or poor. Abramovich is no doubt one of Russia's oligarchs - people who make their wealth due to their connection with the 'god' of Russian politics, Putin and his cabal.

Despite this man's billions of pounds of investment in the UK and another plan to spend another £1bn to build a stadium, they're refusing to grant him a visa, due to suspicion of having enriched himself illegally. Nigeria has a long way to go. Samsung CEO is currently in jail in South Korea, and the company is still moving well. A certain business man was arrested some time ago, and hell was let loose, as some people were crying of victimisation - that the company was being targeted. Sad.

yannis:

Stop praising the west and repeating what you heard in Western news. They are bad as Nigeria if not worst.

You forgot to method that he is also an Israeli.

You don't know me, man. I'm very flexible with my stand, when it's necessary to. If tomorrow I see anything worthy of condemnation, from the British - I'll also point it out.

bad.

nnamdiokere45:
Funny country.
You deny the poor visa to ur country, we understand but denying a billionaire and an investor the chance of visa renewal is absolute nonsense

That is the difference between Africa and the western world. They are not necessarily moved by money especially dirty money. There must have been a reason why the visa is not renewed and they won't just burge

Uk at their strict policy self.

He is Jewish-Russian. Israel will give him if he desires.

How many Chelsea fan knew this

No wahala

toyetade:


That is the difference between Africa and the western world. They are not necessarily moved by money especially dirty money. There must have been a reason why the visa is not renewed and they won't just burge

Bros na lie. They are moved by money, they just know how to pretend. If this guy takes his investment out peren, UK government will hear am.

He is now a citizen of Israel and he can fly into UK as a tourist.

Nice

People are signing their targets Chelsea is delaying

Ebirra:
UK dey form tough against Russia wey fit crush am if war comes

dont under estimate uk..remember britain is a mother country unless u want ww3 to start.

toyetade:


That is the difference between Africa and the western world. They are not necessarily moved by money especially dirty money. There must have been a reason why the visa is not renewed and they won't just burge

of the is any country that likes dirty money is UK so far as it in their economy. The visa saga is just a political one not personal

nnamdiokere45:
Funny country.
You deny the poor visa to ur country, we understand but denying a billionaire and an investor the chance of visa renewal is absolute nonsense

you have said your lil mind.

Daviddson:
This is another testament that in a civilised setting, everybody should be treated equally - rich or poor. Abramovich is no doubt one of Russia's oligarchs - people who make their wealth due to their connection with the 'god' of Russian politics, Putin and his cabal.

Despite this man's billions of pounds of investment in the UK and another plan to spend another £1bn to build a stadium, they're refusing to grant him a visa, due to suspicion of having enriched himself illegally. Nigeria has a long way to go. Samsung CEO is currently in jail in South Korea, and the company is still moving well. A certain business man was arrested some time ago, and hell was let loose, and some people were crying of victimisation - that the company was being targeted. Sad.

Mention the Nigerian business man's name here if you get mind.

Na you go run delete your post when they're done with you