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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's 512ft yacht seized after Everton cut ties


Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov has had his 512ft yacht seized by German authorities in Hamburg - just two days after he was slapped with sanctions by the European Union.

Usmanov, who had commercial links with Everton until the Toffees cut ties with USM, had his assets frozen at the start of the week due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

A number of oligarchs have been targeted across Europe as a direct result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Usmanov the latest to face ramifications.

And now, Forbes are reporting that Usmanov has had his yacht, Dilbar, seized by the authorities.

Usmanov purchased the showpiece ship for a sum estimated to be worth around £447.5million back in 2016.

The yacht was docked in Germany for a refitting job back in October but is now in the possession of the authorities.

It's the latest blow for the 68-year-old, who was also hit with an EU travel ban at the start of the week.

Everton revealed earlier on Wednesday that they had severed ties with Usmanov, whose commercial company, USM Holdings, sponsors Everton's training ground.

As well as USM Holdings, Usmanov's other companies, Megafon and Yota, were also prominent around the club.

Everton owner, Farhad Moshiri, is chairman at USM Holdings.

A statement on the club's official website read: “Everyone at Everton remains shocked and saddened by the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine.

“This tragic situation must end as soon as possible, and any further loss of life must be avoided.

“The players, coaching staff and everyone working at Everton is providing full support to our player Vitalii Mykolenko and his family and will continue to do so.

“The club can confirm that it has suspended with immediate effect all commercial sponsorship arrangements with the Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota.”

Everton's links with Usmanov were also scrutinised earlier this week after reports claimed that the oligarch was present during Frank Lampard's interview with the club.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is the chairman of Usmanov's company, USM Holdings (Getty Images)

However, the club - who have insisted that Usmanov does not have a prominent role - are adamant that the oligarch was on a separate zoom call with Moshiri and was not involved with Lampard's interview.

It was a stance backed by Lampard, who insisted that the reports were inaccurate.

"Those reports are inaccurate," said the 43-year-old.

"My interview was with the board, Mr [Farhad] Moshiri, the chairman, Denise the CEO and others but not Mr Usmanov so that is not accurate."

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