Abramovich can beat UK visa hold-up after taking up Israeli citizenship
LONDON: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has found a short-term to circumvent the hold-up in renewal of his visa to enter the United Kingdom.
The 51-year-old Russian oligarch has been granted Israeli citizenship which means he can enter the UK for short-term visits.
Reportedly Israeli immigration officials interviewed Abramovich last week at their embassy in Moscow.
His UK investor visa expired some weeks ago meaning he was unable to attend the FA Cup Final in which Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0.
There has been speculation that the UK visa issue – being applied to other Russians linked to President Putin – has prevented Chelsea moving forward with a decision on the future of manager Antonio Conte.
Israeli media reported that Abramovich had been given an identity card in Israel under the Law of Return, which allows Jews to become citizens of Israel.
The Times of Israel said the interior ministry had confirmed Mr Abramovich arrived in Israel on Monday and that he had immigrated to the country. He bought a hotel in Tel Aviv in 2015 which is believed to have converted into a personal residence.
Abramovich is worth $11.5bn (£8.6bn), according to Forbes magazine.
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