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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Ryanair poke fun at Chelsea as Roman Abramovich sanctions force them to budget

Ryanair have poked fun at Chelsea insisting they could be their new airline partner in light of sanctions placed on the club.

It comes after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the Government as Russian oligarchs continue to be reprimanded following the invasion of Ukraine.

The Blues had been put up for sale by their billionaire owner, but now face an uncertain future.

The more immediate effects are financial with the club's sponsor, Three, halting their relationship with the club.

Chelsea have received a restrictive sporting licence from Boris Johnson's cabinet.

It means they are only allowed to spend £20,000 on travel for away games, which is believed to be much less than the club usually spends. However that sum would be more than enough with some airlines - including Irish company Ryanair.

Ryanair have poked fun at Chelsea's financial restraints (PA)

They tweeted: "That's an entire season travel budget with Ryanair.

"@ChelseaFC, shall admin put in touch with group bookings? #OfficalAirlineofFrozenAssets"

Chelsea are in action on Thursday night as they take on Norwich City at Carrow Road, but are frantically having to alter their kit in light of Three's decision hours earlier.

The sanctions also mean only season ticket holders, or those who've already purchased tickets, can attend games whilst no away supporters will be present at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's club shop has also closed with immediate effect.

Labour MP Lucy Powell, the Shadow Culture Secretary, has said: “We’ve long called for tough sanctions on those linked to the Putin regime including Abramovich.

"Football clubs are vital cultural and community assets and this will clearly have a huge impact on Chelsea."

Chelsea themselves released a statement saying: "Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government.

"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.

Sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich's club are set to hit them hard (REUTERS)

"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.

"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.

"The Club will update further when it is appropriate to do so."

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