Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea release statement as they look for normality within hard-hitting UK sanctions

Chelsea Stamford Bridge March 2022

Chelsea have released a statement in response to UK sanctions and have confirmed they will seek amendments to the government’s operating licence.

An announcement on Thursday confirmed Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government, freezing the billionaire’s planned sale of Chelsea. The 55-year-old Russian-Israeli businessman put Chelsea up for sale on March 2 in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Boris Johnson’s Government has now frozen all his UK assets, including Chelsea, which he has owned since 2003. Abramovich has always denied any current political links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But Chelsea have been given a special licence to continue operating. However, the proposed sale of the club is now on hold.

The club’s hierarchy are looking at ways to ease the burden under the licence. And will no doubt look for potential increases in travel costs to away matches among other possible alterations.

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

“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.

Chelsea sanctions mean Antonio Rudiger will leave this summer

Chelsea sanctions mean Antonio Rudiger will leave this summer

Antonio Rudiger will likely leave Chelsea this summer after the UK government have put sanctions on Roman Abramovich

 


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

Norwich v Chelsea will go ahead

“The club will update further when it is appropriate.”

Meanwhile, the Premier League confirmed the Blues’ match against Norwich on Thursday night would go ahead as planned.

 

“The Government has issued an initial licence to enable Chelsea FC to continue to train. To play its fixtures and fulfil its obligations for the rest of the season,” a league statement read.

Supporters Trust

“The league will now work with the club and the Government to ensure the season will proceed as planned. And in line with the Government’s intention.”

Elsewhere, the Chelsea Supporters Trust called for fans to be fully included in discussions over the way forward.

“The CST notes with concern the Government’s statement regarding the owner,” the group said on Twitter.

“Supporters must be involved in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts on the club and its global fan base.

“The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process. To minimise the uncertainty over Chelsea’s future, for supporters and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”

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