Chelsea handed Real Madrid and FA Cup boost as Thomas Tuchel wish is granted

Chelsea have confirmed 1,800 tickets will be sold to Blues supporters for their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, while season ticket holders can secure their seat at the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley from next week.

It was last Wednesday that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) released a statement saying that rules around ticket sales would be relaxed despite owner Roman Abramovich remaining sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: "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.

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"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 supporters are now allowed to purchase tickets for FA Cup, Champions League, and away Premier League matches. Visiting fans, meanwhile, can attend Premier League games at Stamford Bridge but the Blues are unable to sell any further home tickets for their remaining top-flight games.

That Chelsea will have supporters at both legs of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid – and their remaining matches in the competition this term – is likely to please Thomas Tuchel, who