Chukotka governor did not take over Vancouver Canucks NHL club

A source close to Roman Abramovich, Governor of Chukotka, autonomous area in Russia's extreme east, has not confirmed that Abramovich has sold 50% of shares in Russky Aluminii (Russian Aluminium) Co and bought the Vancouver Canucks NHL club. Yet, the source said the deals were being negotiated.

The sale of Russky Alumii is at the phase of negotiations and a final decision on the deal has not as of yet been adopted. The same is true about the purchase of the hockey club.

Vedomosti newspaper reported Wednesday that Mr Abramovich was selling a 50-percent block of shares to Oleg Deripaska, co-owner of Russki Aluminii.

As of today, 50% of shares in the aluminium giant belong to the entities overseen by Mr Abramovich and to Mr Deripaska's Bazovy Element company.

It was The Vancouver Sun that reported on a contract between Mr Abramovich and the NHL club. According to the newspaper, Mr Abramovich had phoned US multi-millionaire and club owner John McCaw and inquired about a possibility of buying the club. However, Mr McCaw's press spokesman denied the report, saying Mr Abramovich had addressed neither Mr McCaw nor himself with this question.

Roman Abramovich bought the British Chelsea soccer club this July.