Roman Abramovich's quiet settlement for divorce from his wife Irina in Russia will shield the billionaire's vast financial empire from investigation in British courts, lawyers said yesterday.

A spokesman for Mr Abramovich, Russia's richest man and the secretive owner of Chelsea Football Club in London, announced the couple had divorced in Russia on a "consensual basis", reaching a financial settlement that will have "no effect" on any of his business interests, including Chelsea. Details of the settlement were not disclosed and Mr Abramovich's spokesman declined further comment.