Visa snag won’t keep Abramovich away

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH believes he will still be able to watch Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this season despite his visa issues. Chelsea’s owner withdrew an application for a British visa at the start of June after reported delays in his application. The Israeli-Russian billionaire’s previous Tier 1 visa, which allows those who invest over £2million in Britain’s economy to stay for 40 months, had been granted before more stringent rules were introduced in April 2015. But since the Salisbury poisoning a government crackdown on admitting wealthy foreign investors has increased tensions between Britain and Russia. Abramovich, with no plans to reapply for a British visa, has since taken an Israeli passport. Israel’s citizens may visit the UK for a maximum of six months but need a UK visa if they want to live, work or study here. Because Abramovich does not have a job title, take a salary or have a seat on the board, he would not see going to games or meetings as ‘working’. Even so, he is not expected at Stamford Bridge for today’s Arsenal match as he is said to be on holiday in France. The Home Office declined to comment.