Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been forced to leave the UK over visa issues.

The Mirror reports Abramovich has gone home after his UK visa ran out, it has emerged.

The London-based billionaire did not attend Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, when his team beat Manchester United 1-0.

Reports suggest the 51-year-old oil and gas tycoon returned to his native country last month when his visa expired.

Without updated paperwork he would be unable to come back to Britain, where he has a massive home and business interests.

Last night there was speculation the visa renewal was being dragged out amid pressure on the Government to take a tougher approach to rich foreign oligarchs.