Chelsea have announced they are pushing the government to allow tickets to be sold for their forthcoming matches, while the Premier League and FA are in discussions with regard to sporting integrity if supporters' attendance is not permitted.
With the Blues operating under the 'Russian Regulation' licence after Roman Abramovich saw his assets frozen when placed on the government's sanction list. Chelsea are currently unable to sell merchandise - including tickets - in addition to not being able to complete any transfers or extend contracts.
The match against Newcastle United was, as it stands, the Blues' last chance to see a sellout at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season. Any tickets that have already been bought and season tickets are still able to be used.
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The Prime Minister's spokesperson told reporters last week: "We're in constant contact with the club and the Premier League over any issues that have been raised through the sanctions and the licence that the Treasury have issued them. It's now up to the club to apply for any amended licence. I believe Chelsea have said that they will do that, and we'll obviously work with the club and... the league to consider any operationally necessary changes."
However, it appears the Blues are still short of where they would like to be. The club said in their statement: "With the club still awaiting confirmation from the UK Government on whether we can sell tickets or not, including to this weekend’s FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough, we have the latest situation on sales for upcoming men’s, women’s, and Academy fixtures.
"We are pressing the Government to allow our supporters to have access to tickets. Meetings are taking place daily in search of a resolution. In addition, the Premier League and FA are also discussing with the Government the sporting integrity issues raised if they do not permit fans to attend.
"We are aware of the high level of frustration our supporters are facing over this issue, and we are doing everything we can to resolve it as soon as possible. Information regarding specific games is as follows:
Lille (a) – Wednesday 16 March
Supporters who sent in their declaration forms have been emailed the ticket collection point information. Supporters who have not received this information should email uefa.away@chelseafc.com.
Middlesbrough (a) – Saturday 19 March
Supporters who have already purchased a ticket can attend the match. Tickets will be sent out in the post tomorrow (Tuesday).
We have the remaining tickets for our allocation, but we are awaiting further updates from the Government on whether we can sell these tickets or not before Saturday’s game.
Should we be able to sell these tickets, they will be sent out via Royal Mail Special Delivery owing to the shortness of times. Further information will be released as soon as we have it.
Birmingham City Women (h) - Sunday 20 March
Supporters who have purchased a ticket can attend the match.
Leeds United PL2 (h) – Sunday 20 March
Supporters who have purchased a ticket can attend the match.
Brentford (h) – Saturday 2 April
Supporters who have purchased a ticket can attend the match. These tickets will be emailed out later this week.
Southampton (a) – Saturday 9 April
Supporters on the UK away scheme will have their tickets sent in due course. For the remainder of our allocation, we await further updates from the Government on whether we will be able to sell tickets or not.
Supporters who do not have tickets for matches should not attend our stadiums.
