The sanctions announced Thursday, March 10, by the British government against the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea and whose assets are frozen, plunges the European champion football club into complete uncertainty, while a process of sale was engaged.
The club have been allowed to continue with day-to-day operations but significant restrictions have been added as Chelsea are still in contention in the Champions League, FA Cup and 3rd in the Premier League, with one game scheduled for Thursday night in Norwich.
The government states that “Given the significant impact that today’s sanctions would have on Chelsea Football Club and their potential repercussions, the Government this morning issued a license allowing a number of activities relating to the soccer at chelsea“.
“This includes permissions for the club to continue playing matches and other football-related activities, which will in turn protect the Premier League, the wider football pyramid, loyal supporters and other clubs.“, adds the government.
As a result, the sale of the club is suspended due to the sanctions put in place. “Asset freeze restrictions also apply to all entities owned or controlled by Roman Abramovich. This means Chelsea football club is now also subject to an asset freeze under UK financial sanctions“, said the government.
Although Stamford Bridge subscribers will be able to attend the matches, no tickets or items bearing the image of the club whose sale would replenish the club’s coffers are authorized. Supporters of opposing clubs will therefore no longer be admitted to Stamford Bridge and official travel by Chelsea supporters will be impossible.
A real godsend for English clubs, the lucrative Premier League and C1 broadcasting rights will be paid to the club, but the sums will be frozen, which, on the horizon of a few months, will jeopardize the payment of wages. .
The temporary authorization granted to Chelsea to continue its activity allows the club to pay both salaries and the costs linked to the organization of matches at Stamford Bridge.
However, a high limit of 20,000 pounds (24,000 euros) has been imposed on the club’s travel expenses, which could pose a problem for international matches. Next week, Chelsea travel to Lille for a Champions League Round of 16 second leg.
While Chelsea can continue to settle transfer deadlines concluded before March 10, 2022, they have been prohibited from concluding new arrivals or even extending existing contracts. Important players, especially in defense, such as captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rüdiger or Andreas Christensen are out of contract this summer and would therefore leave the club for free.
However, the temporary authorization is only valid until May 31 and could therefore be amended before the opening of the next transfer window.
In reaction to the sanctions imposed, in a press release published on Thursday afternoon, the club said it had “intend to enter into discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence. This will include a request for permission for the license to be amended to allow the club to operate as normally as possible“.