Chelsea fans will be able to buy tickets for some matches at Stamford Bridge and away games once again after the UK Government eased the terms of the licence the club have been operating under since they imposed sanctions on club owner Roman Abramovich.
After Abramovich was sanctioned two weeks ago, the Blues were unable to take part in any sort of trading that would see money move in or out of the club. This included contract negotiations, transfer talks and even the sale of match tickets to fans.
However, the Government will now allow Chelsea to sell tickets for their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid. However, they still remain unable to sell home tickets for Premier League matches as things stand.
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Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston also confirmed the move, saying: “The Government has today made alterations to the licence to Chelsea Football club so that fans will be able to access tickets to away matches, cup games and women's fixtures.
"I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible. Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK’s sanctions list for his links to Vladimir Putin we have worked extensively to ensure the club can continue to play football while ensuring the sanctions regime continues to be enforced.”
Abramovich has always denied links with Putin.
It is an update that will no doubt prove a big boost for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the clash with Madrid. Chelsea are looking to retain their Champions League crowd but a lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge would have handed Carlo Ancelotti's side an advantage heading into the clash.
Fans will also be able to purchase tickets for the FA Cup semi-finals. The same rules will also apply for the women's team. As things stand, home tickets for Premier League games will remain off sale, although supporters can purchase away tickets again.
