Chelsea break silence on Roman Abramovich sanctions as they explain plan

Chelsea have revealed that they will be looking to discuss their current situation with the UK government after Roman Abramovich was hit with a number of sanctions on Thursday. The 55-year-old oligarch saw his assets frozen as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a move which has left the club unable to sell match-day tickets, merchandise or renegotiate contracts due to the new measures.

Chelsea supporters will also be prevented from attending matches unless they are season ticket holders, while the European champions will be forced to spend no more than £20,000 on travel to away matches as part of their ‘licence’ to continue operating as a club.

Abramovich recently spoke of his desire to sell the Blues after the government came under public pressure to deliver sanctions in light of recent developments in Ukraine.

The UK government retains the power to implement special measures to allow a sale to go through if they decide that it would be in Chelsea’s best interests.

The European champions have since issued a statement on the matter in which they outlined their desire to explore the possibility of amending their ‘licence’ conditions.

“Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government,” read the statement.

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“By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich.

“However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.

“We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence.

“This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the Club to operate as normal as possible.

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“We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.

“The Club will update further when it is appropriate to do so.”

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how the situation at Chelsea will unfold over the coming weeks and months as they get to grips with their new restrictions.

Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and transformed them into one of European football’s biggest powerhouses with his big-spending habits before making the decision to sell up amid the ongoing military situation in Ukraine.

He has been largely responsible for shaping the west London club’s fortunes over the last two decades, winning five Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues in the process.

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source: express.co.uk