The government of the United Kingdom have amended a section of the sanctions placed on Chelsea, owned by Russian billionaire and reported ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, Roman Abramovich.
The sanctions placed on the club prevented a lot of things, including the sales of tickets. This meant that, bar the season ticket holders, no other Chelsea fan or neutral fan who wants to see the club play would be able to do so.
This is because the UK is trying to prevent any money from going into Abramovich’s pockets as owner of the club.
The oligarch is currently trying to sell the club to allow it function normally again, as the sanctions on him do not look like they will come to an end any time soon. However, the sale has proved quite cumbersome, affecting the affairs of Chelsea.
The UK government, after many clamours, has now amended the section of the sanctions which prevent Chelsea from selling tickets to fans.
The amended section 10.3 of Chelsea’s operating license with Roman Abramovich as registered owner now reads: “Under this licence, subject to the conditions below, the Parent may pay the Club up to £30,000,000.00 in respect of cashflow or liquidity issues faced by the Club.”
The “Parent” is Fordstam Ltd, Abramovich’s holding company through which he handles all things Chelsea.
The change also allows for away tickets for Premier League games to be sold, as well as tickets for cup games and women’s football.
Premier League home games ticket sales still under sanctions
Visiting fans will be allowed to purchase tickets to Stamford Bridge, and all the proceeds will go to the Premier League coffers, which will be donated towards humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The Sports Minister of the UK, Nigel Huddleston, announced the changes in a statement on Wednesday which read: “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.
Chelsea will also donate all revenue from the tickets which will now be sold under the amended sanctions to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Chelsea FC have requested and the Premier League agreed that this revenue will be donated to charity to benefit victims of the war in Ukraine. The beneficiary charities will be announced in due course after consultation with the club.”
