Chelsea Put Out Statement Following Sanctions On Roman Abramovich

Chelsea have put out an official statement, following the sanctions put on by Roman Abramovich, confirming they are trying to get their general licence amended.

They have been allowed to continue to operate as a football team, meaning they can still fulfil their games, and players and staff can be paid, under a general licence.

However, with the team unable to even sell merchandise or tickets to games, they have confirmed they've applied to the government to change their licence.

"By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich. However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.

"We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence. 

"This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the Club to operate as normal as possible.

"We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities."

Abramovich had been in the middle of attempting to sell the club, with a number of potential bidders linked with a move for the two times Champions League winners.

Right now all his plans to sell will have to be put on hold, unless sanctions are lifted or he can get special dispensation proving he won't benefit from the sale.

The club will be desperate to get their licence amended, otherwise only those with season tickets will be able to go to games.