The Daily Express said Russia's richest man will have to pay some 6 billion British pounds as part of a divorce settlement, following the breakup of his 16-year marriage. The sum, way above other media estimates, would make his former wife, Irina, the wealthiest divorcee to date.
The couple was married in 1991 and they have five children together. Their split is said to have been prompted by Mr Abramovich's alleged affair with a young Russian model.
Other media in Russia and the UK speculated earlier that Abramovich's divorce, officially announced last Wednesday, could cost the Chelsea Football Club owner no more than $300 million, or less than 2% of his estimated personal wealth.
According to the Daily Express, however, Abramovich will have to give away four houses he owns in the UK, including a West Sussex property worth 18 million pounds, as well as two posh apartments in central London and the Chateau de la Croe in France, which once served as a romantic retreat for the Duke and the Duchess of Windsor. He will also have to ensure his ex-wife has unlimited access to one of his two Boeing jets and to a luxury Pelorus yacht.
The divorce proceedings took place in the northern Russian region of Chukotka, where Roman Abramovich was recently reelected as governor.
Although UK law provides for a 50/50 split of holdings accrued during a marriage, the 40-year-old tycoon preferred the case to be heard by a Russian court rather than a British one, if only for the sake of confidentiality.
Last week, the Abramoviches issued a statement saying Roman's corporate interests - including Chelsea and a stake in Russian steel giant Evraz - would not be affected by the divorce deal.
Abramovich, who built his fortune in shady post-Soviet privatization dealings, is now listed by Forbes magazine as the world's 16th richest person.
