FA Cup: Chelsea withdraw request to play Middlesbrough behind closed doors

Chelsea have removed their request for their FA Cup quarter-final game at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors, the FA said on Tuesday. Chelsea had made the request to the FA board for reasons of "sporting integrity" because they are unable to sell tickets due to restrictions imposed by a British government licence.

Chelsea are dealing with government restrictions on their operations after sanctions were imposed on their Russian owner Roman Abramovich. "The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League and the Government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected," the governing body said. Earlier on Tuesday, Chelsea said they were in "extensive discussions" with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation but could not make amendments to the licence in time to sell tickets to Chelsea fans for Saturday's game at the Riverside Stadium. "It is important for the competition that the match against Middlesbrough goes ahead, however it is with extreme reluctance that we are asking the FA board to direct that the game be played behind closed doors for matters of sporting integrity," the club said. "Chelsea FC recognises that such an outcome would have a huge impact on Middlesbrough and its supporters, as well as our own fans who have already bought the limited number of tickets that were sold before the licence was imposed. "But we believe this is the fairest way of proceeding in the current circumstances." Middlesbrough said they found the request "bizarre and without any merit whatsoever. "All concerned are well aware of the reasons Chelsea have been sanctioned and that this has