March 24 – The British government has amended Chelsea’s special operating licence in order to allow supporters to buy tickets to away games and all cup matches.
But the club will not receive any revenue from the sales. Instead the revenue will go to Chelsea’s opponents and competition organisers.
The reigning European and world champions had been banned from selling tickets after their Russian oligarch owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea still cannot sell any new tickets for home Premier League games to its fans – only existing season ticket holders can attend.
But easing the terms of its sanctioning license means Chelsea’s Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid will not be played at an empty stadium whilst fans can also buy tickets for their FA Cup semi-final and away league games.
“I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible,” British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said.
“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.”
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