Envoys were expected to reconvene at 11am on Monday to adopt the measure and a further set of economic sanctions against Russia, a report by Reuters said.

The sanctions will come into effect after publication of the EU's official journal, which usually happens within hours or the day following formal approval.

The Chelsea football club owner was sanctioned in the UK last week with the British government saying the move was due to Mr Abramovich having a "close relationship for decades" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The new sanctions by the EU will hit people active in the Russian steel industry and others who provide financial services, military products and technology to the Russian state, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday.

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One EU diplomat told Reuters no concerns were raised about the new sanctions, suggesting Mr Abramovich's listing "will go through".

But, as the billionaire holds a Portuguese passport, it means that Portugal could refrain from imposing on him the asset freeze and travel ban decided at EU level, a second EU official said.

The sanctions came as Evraz - the UK-listed steel and coal business part-owned by Mr Abramovich - was deleted from London stock indexes.

The UK sanctions have also impacted last season's Champions League winners Chelsea, who have been thrown into disarray.

In other developments

• Zelenskyy warns of potential Russian missile strikes on homes of people in NATO countries
• Russia says there has been 'substantial progress' in peace talks
• Twenty-one children arrive in UK for 'life-saving' treatment
• Ukraine's leader awards medals as he visits wounded personnel
• Britons who take in refugees will get £350 per month 'thank you' payment

Mr Abramovich initially proposed to place the club in the care of its foundation and then put it up for sale for £3bn, with several billionaires including property developer Nick Candy linked with the takeover.

However, the sanctions imposed on him in the UK means his sale of the club may not be possible.

The Stamford Bridge club will be given a special licence to continue operating, under limited terms and will be unable to sell new tickets, sign players or extend contracts and open retail outfits.

The sale of the club could still go ahead if the government issues another licence.

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On 11 March, Chelsea's bank account was temporarily suspended by Barclays while it assesses the licence which Chelsea has been given and sponsors including Three UK and Hyundai suspended their association with the club.