MI6 'spied on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during probe into Russia bid'

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was reportedly spied on by MI6 during an investigation into Russia's controversial 2018 World Cup bid.

The nation's bid is accused of being riddled with corruption after The Sunday Times released a 13-page dossier regarding the alleged conduct during the process.

According to The Independent, it has been claimed that Abramovich was part of a 'select group of oligarchs' picked by Russian president Vladimir Putin to make sure that the bid was successful.

A former MI6 agent told The Sunday Times that Abramovich held private meetings with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.