Abramovich Resignation 'rejected'

Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, has rejected a request by Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Chelsea football club, to withdraw from Russian politics, it was claimed yesterday.

In an apparent sign of disagreement between the two men, Mr Putin has indicated he wants Mr Abramovich to continue as governor of Chukotka, a remote region in north-east Russia.

Mr Abramovich, Russia's richest man, resigned as governor last month. Yesterday, however, Mr Putin hinted the resignation had not been accepted. The billionaire had been told to stay in office until after Mr Putin's term as president expires in 2008, the daily Vedomosti reported, citing Kremlin sources.

The oil tycoon has sold most of his assets at home and spends much of his time in western Europe. But Mr Abramovich, 40, still enjoyed Mr Putin's approval, unlike other oligarchs who have ended up in prison or exile, said a pro-Kremlin analyst. "This is simply a managerial discussion between two different managers. Sometimes they agree, and sometimes they don't agree," analyst Sergei Markov told the Guardian.

John Mann, spokesman for Mr Abramovich, said: "The president has not responded yet to the governor's letter of resignation. Anything else is speculation."