Roman Abramovich's 19-year ownership of Chelsea is ending, with the British government approving the sanctioned Russian oligarch's sale of the Premier League club to a consortium fronted by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

The British government had to be sure that Abramovich, who was sanctioned over his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine, did not profit from the enforced sale of the club that his investment turned into one of the most successful in European football.

The reigning FIFA Club World Cup winners and 2021 European champions will be sold for 2.5 billion pounds ($4.41 billion) — the highest price ever for a sports team — with Premier League approval already granted on Tuesday.

Chelsea has been operating under a government licence since Abramovich's assets were frozen in March. It expires on May 31.

"Given the sanctions we placed on those linked to Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the long-term future of the club can only be secured under a new owner," British Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said.

"We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals."

There were weeks of discussions between officials from Chelsea and the government over securing the guarantee Abramovich could not gain financially.

The sale proceeds will initially go into a frozen account before going to charity.

"We will now begin the process of ensuring the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war," the British government said in a statement.

"The steps today will secure the future of this important cultural asset and protect fans and the wider football community."

Delays approving the sale centred on the fate of 1.6 billion pounds loaned to Chelsea by Abramovich since 2003 that provided the funding to build a men's squad that won 21 trophies during his ownership.

Government assurances were needed from Abramovich, who has not condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, about writing off the debt that was linked to companies he controlled.

Boehly has already started attending Chelsea games in recent weeks since the club approved the sale to the consortium that also features Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, and funding from private equity firm Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea had won the men's championship only once — in 1955 — when Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

Helped by expensive signings, the club won the Premier League two years later and has added four more since then, most recently in 2017.

AP