Roman Abramovich wins libel action against La Repubblica
Sport
Press release | 18 March 2010
Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club has won his libel claim against Italian newspaper, La Repubblica after the publication of an untrue and defamatory article.
On 3 May 2009, libel proceedings were issued against Gruppo Editoriale S.p.A, the publisher of La Repubblica, following the publication of an untrue and defamatory article entitled “A Black Year for Abramovich as he loses a Yacht at Poker”.
A statement read in the High Court on 18 March 2010 by Schillings partner John Kelly, said:
“The publication of these damaging and untrue claims had caused Mr Abramovich distress and embarrassment and he could not allow them to go unchallenged. He therefore commenced proceedings to set the record straight and vindicate his reputation.”
La Repubblica has agreed to publish a correction; undertaken not to republish the libels; and agreed to pay Mr Abramovich substantial damages as well as his legal costs. Mr Abramovich intends to donate the damages to charity.