Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich and his wife have divorced, the Russian billionaire's spokesman said.

Mr Abramovich and his wife Irina have divorced in Russia "on a consensual basis" and have agreed terms in respect of their children and a financial settlement, spokesman John Mann said.

He said Chelsea FC would not be affected by the divorce proceedings.

Mr Mann said the couple will not be making any further comment and said they would "appreciate it if the family's privacy would be respected".

A statement issued on behalf of the couple said: "Mr and Mrs Abramovich have divorced in Russia on a consensual basis and have agreed terms in respect of arrangements for their children and a financial settlement.

"Mr Abramovich's corporate interests, including Chelsea Football Club, are not affected by the divorce proceedings."

The Russian tycoon, who owns private investment company Millhouse Capital and has an estimated fortune of £10.8bn, has owned the west London Premiership club since 2003.

The 40-year-old and his wife, a former air stewardess, have five children.

Guardian.co.uk