Chelsea are swamped in a fresh crisis after their proposed sale was put in limbo by the UK Government.
Wantaway owner Roman Abramovich has been heavily sanctioned and all of his assets have now been frozen amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
That makes a sale an impossibility under strict emergency rules but Chelsea will be allowed to carry out their fixtures.
While the freeze continues the club will be unable to sell tickets - with only season ticket holders permitted to attend games for the foreseeable.
Abramovich is among seven high-profile oligarchs who have been dealt with by the Government.
But the news on Chelsea puts a host of potential owners who have been waiting to move on hold, with many parties keen to explore their options.
The Champions League holders will be granted a special licence to keep playing but this latest storm adds more uncertainty over what comes next for one of the richest clubs on the planet.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has batted away questions surrounding furore but the latest sanctions will add even more scrutiny in the coming days.
Nadine Dorries, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: "To ensure the club can continue to compete and operate we are issuing a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches while, crucially, depriving Abramovich of benefiting from his ownership of the club.
"I know this brings some uncertainty, but the Government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended. Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We're committed to protecting them."
Chelsea visit Norwich in the Premier League tonight and that fixture will go ahead.
