Chelsea licence now allows ticket sales; Abramovich can put £30m into club

The UK government has made amendments to Chelsea's operating licence, meaning fans are now able to buy tickets to certain matches and Roman Abramovich can put £30m into the club to keep it running.

Chelsea fans can now buy tickets to away matches, cup games and women's fixtures. It means that fans will be able to purchase tickets for Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley on the weekend of April 16 and 17.

However, tickets for home Premier League games are still subject to restrictions. Only season ticket holders and those who purchased tickets before the UK government sanctioned owner Abramovich will be able to attend.

Visiting fans will be able to purchase tickets for Chelsea's remaining Premier League home fixtures, with all revenue going to the Premier League.

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.

"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."

The Premier League later said that any additional revenue they receive from Chelsea ticket sales will be donated to charities helping Ukrainian refugees.

A spokesperson 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