14/03/2007

Chelsea boss Abramovich divorces wife

The Russian billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich has divorced his wife, Irina, it has been confirmed.

Abramovich's spokesperson John Mann confirmed that the couple, who had been married for more than 15 years, had reached an agreement on custody of their five children as well as financial settlement, but did not reveal any other details.

Abramovich, a Russian Jewish oil billionaire, also owns private investment company Millhouse Capital and is governor of Chukotka, a remote region in the Russian Far East. He has an estimated fortune of £10.8 billion.

A statement released on behalf of the couple said: "Mr Abramovich's corporate interests, including Chelsea football club, are not affected by the divorce proceedings.

"Mr and Mrs Abramovich would appreciate it if the family's privacy would be respected."

(KMcA/SP)

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