After being sanctioned by the UK Government, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the European Union. They included Abramovich in their most recent list of individuals to have their assets frozen as well as travel bans imposed. The sanctions will not affect Chelsea in their Champions League fixture against Lille with UEFA seeking clarifications on the impact their sanctions will have on Chelsea. The English club won the first leg 2-0 in France.
“After constructive talks between the FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to remove their request for the Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors,” Chelsea said in a statement after their owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the European Union. “The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League, and the Government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected.”
“The measures we have taken and the license we have given to Chelsea is to precisely stop [Chelsea going out of business]. It is to allow Chelsea still to play, for staff to still be paid, to honor ticket sales already, and we are discussions with Chelsea and the fans to see if we can allow further ticket sales because we want the sanctions to hit those we intend to hit and not others,” Sports Minister Nigel Huddlestone said. “But we want to ensure the sanctions-hit those we intend to hit and there is minimal impact elsewhere. But there will be an inconvenience as a result. We would welcome the sale (of the club) and we would change the license to enable that sale, and that would be important for Chelsea.”
Also, Read Chelsea request FA Cup tie to be played behind closed doors
