Roman Abramovich: What do Russian owner's sanctions mean for Chelsea?

The future of European champions Chelsea is uncertain after sanctions were placed on Russian owner Roman Abramovich on Thursday.

The billionaire has been in charge since 2003 but had his attempts to sell the club halted by the UK government, who have frozen his assets.

What does it mean for Chelsea's fans, players and staff? BBC Sport explains how the situation will affect those associated with the club.

Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The government believes the billionaire has had a «close relationship for decades» with Russia's president Vladimir Putin, links Abramovich has always denied.

Like the rest of his assets, Chelsea would have been frozen but a special licence granted by the government allows the Stamford Bridge club to keep operating.

Yes.

The special licence issued by the government allows the men's and women's teams to fulfil their fixtures for the rest of this season as normal.

Chelsea's men are away at Norwich in the Premier League on Thursday night while Chelsea's women are at West Ham in the Women's Super League at the same time.

Season ticket holders will still be able to attend games at Stamford Bridge as normal, while match tickets sold before 10 March will be honoured.

But beyond that, supporters cannot buy any new tickets to watch Chelsea.

Tickets were due to go on sale for the FA Cup quarter-final tie at Middlesbrough on 19 March but a post on the club's official websiteexternal-link on Thursday confirmed that would no longer happen as planned.

The club is also unable to sell any merchandise, with the club shop at Stamford Bridge closing on Thursday morning.

BBC senior sports news reporter Laura Scott:

All the licence says is that