In what was considered the largest sum ever paid for a soccer team, the sale of Chelsea F.C. aimed to establish one of the largest humanitarian charities. However, over a year later, the charity remains nonexistent, and not a single dollar of the $3.1 billion has been used to aid victims of the Ukraine war. The individual chosen to lead the charity has expressed frustration with the bureaucratic delays that have hindered progress.
Despite ongoing talks with British government officials, no breakthrough has been achieved. The government’s approval is necessary before the funds can be transferred to the charity, ensuring that none of the money ends up in Russia or with Roman Abramovich, the team’s former owner. The main point of contention lies in the government’s insistence that the funds be spent solely within Ukraine’s borders, based on an agreement with the European Union. This restriction prevents the charity from providing aid to the wide range of individuals affected by the war, such as refugees in neighboring countries and those facing starvation in places like Somalia due to a shortage of Ukrainian grain.
British officials are cautious about allowing funds to reach Russia or Abramovich, given his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. The relationship had not been an issue during Abramovich’s earlier tenure with Chelsea, but the circumstances have changed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The government’s position, however, goes against the spirit of the charity and raises questions about its legality.
Publicly, the government has offered limited information regarding the delay. While the British foreign secretary has emphasized the need for the funds to reach their intended recipients, there is a lack of progress in releasing them. The charity’s leader, Mike Penrose, has expressed frustration at the lack of communication with ministers who hold the power to resolve the situation. Despite repeated requests for a phone call or meeting, Penrose has been unable to secure direct contact with the key decision-makers.
The deadlock has also attracted the attention of potential beneficiaries, who argue that the funds are urgently needed. They fear that the money will be consumed by reconstruction efforts rather than addressing humanitarian needs. Organizations like Save the Children and Oxfam have stressed the importance of using the funds to assist not only Ukraine but also other regions affected by the war, including African countries facing food shortages.
As London hosts an international conference on Ukraine’s recovery, advocates hope that renewed attention will expedite the release of the foundation’s funds. They warn against allowing politics to hinder the distribution of aid, emphasizing the urgency of assisting those in need.
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