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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Chelsea stopped from selling tickets and club shop closed as Roman Abramovich sanctioned

Chelsea are no longer able to sell matchday tickets and their club shop has been closed now that Roman Abramovich has been hit with sanctions by the UK government.

The Blues have been given a sporting licence to continue trading while Abramovich's assets are frozen, but the Russian billionaire will no longer be able to sell the club unless it can be proven he will not personally benefit from the proceeds.

Chelsea season-ticket holders will still be able to attend matches following the news.

But matchday tickets can no longer be sold, which may mean that away fans are unable to attend any upcoming games at Stamford Bridge until the sanctions end on May 31.

Chelsea's club shop has also been closed and no official Blues merchandise can be sold.

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The club will be able to continue playing all its fixtures due to its status as a "significant cultural asset" and staff and players will still also be paid.

A government statement confirmed on Thursday: "Given the significant impact that today's sanctions would have on Chelsea football club and the potential knock-on effects of this, the Government has this morning published a licence which authorises a number of football-related activities to continue at Chelsea.

"This includes permissions for the club to continue playing matches and other football-related activity which will, in turn, protect the Premier League, the wider football pyramid, loyal fans and other clubs.

"This licence will only allow certain explicitly named actions to ensure the designated individual is not able to circumvent UK sanctions. The licence will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities."

Culture minister Nadine Dorries said: "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."

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