Chelsea freeze: What the Abramovich sanctions mean for fans

Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium remained quiet as fans tried to weigh up the implications of the asset freeze on owner Roman Abramovich.

The billionaire owner of the Premier League club was one of seven oligarchs targeted by the UK government over Russia's military activity in Ukraine, all described as part of President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

Abramovich had announced last week he was selling the European champions, but that is now on hold and Chelsea fans were left speculating about what will happen to the club.

In the short term, it can operate under a special licence, with certain restrictions, including on the sale of tickets and club merchandise – with the club shops shutting yesterday – and the buying of players.

Chelsea said on their website that tickets for the FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough on March 19 would not go on sale as planned on Thursday, with updates to follow "in due course".

Fans outside the stadium said they were "nervous" and "concerned" about the sanctions, though most were not worried about Chelsea's long-term future.

Kai Chapman, 19, said: "I'm quite gutted, really. We could see it coming but as a fan base and a club in general we'll have to move on.

"I get the whole point of sanctioning Abramovich but, in terms of supporters, I think it's a bit harsh to punish us because all we want to do is support our club and go to games, and without being able to purchase tickets it's going to put us in a hard and awkward position."

Syahmi Anuar, 20, who had travelled to London from Malaysia to see the Stamford Bridge ground, said he was "very disappointed".

He said: "I'm very worried about the future of the club because I'm a lifelong fan. I have supported Chelsea since I was a little boy.