A former director of Everton Football Club has lost a legal challenge against the UK government’s decision to maintain sanctions against him under the country’s sanctions framework.
Sarvar Ismailov, who previously served on Everton’s board, challenged the decision by the UK Foreign Office to continue sanctions imposed on him in 2022 due to his family connection to billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov. Ismailov and his brother Sanjar were sanctioned as relatives of Usmanov, who has been subject to international sanctions measures.
The High Court in London dismissed Ismailov’s claim, ruling that the Foreign Office acted within its authority in deciding to maintain the sanctions. In the judgment, Mr Justice Pushpinder Saini stated that the government was in a strong position to assess whether sanctions decisions aligned with the objectives of the broader sanctions regime.
The court found that maintaining sanctions against individuals associated through family or business relationships could contribute to the wider impact and effectiveness of the sanctions framework. The ruling also stated that such measures were capable of supporting the overall objectives of the policy, even if they did not directly influence wider geopolitical developments on their own.
Lawyers representing Ismailov argued that the sanctions were unfair because they were based primarily on family ties rather than personal political involvement or direct participation in government activities. Court filings noted that Ismailov moved to the United Kingdom at a young age, had no political profile, and had not lived in Russia as an adult.
His legal team further argued there was no evidence linking him to political decision-making or support for the actions that triggered the sanctions regime. They described the continued designation as unreasonable and disproportionate.
However, government lawyers defended the sanctions policy, arguing that maintaining restrictions on individuals connected to sanctioned figures serves legitimate policy purposes. The Foreign Office also stated that it holds broad discretion when applying or reviewing sanctions measures.
The court ultimately concluded that the decision to maintain the sanctions was lawful and not irrational under existing UK sanctions legislation.
Ismailov joined Everton in 2019 and became a board member in 2021. He later stepped down from his roles at the club following unrelated legal proceedings that were eventually dropped.
The ruling highlights the continuing legal and financial implications of international sanctions frameworks, particularly for individuals and businesses connected through ownership, investment, or family relationships.
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