Roman Abramovich Chelsea

Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family have confirmed they are leading a consortium that will bid to buy Premier League club Chelsea. Photo: AFP

NEW TWIST: Chelsea sale HALTED – the good and the bad!

Roman Abramovich CANNOT sell Premier League giants Chelsea despite his bid to let go of the club he has owned since 2003.

Roman Abramovich Chelsea

Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family have confirmed they are leading a consortium that will bid to buy Premier League club Chelsea. Photo: AFP

Roman Abramovich CANNOT sell Premier League giants Chelsea despite his bid to let go of the club he has owned since 2003.

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And this is because all his assets in the United Kingdom have been frozen, according to BBC Sport.

Abramovich had already confirmed his intentions to sell Chelsea as a matter of urgency in a statement last week.

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The Russian billionaire wanted to sell Chelsea before the UK government could freeze his assets due to his reported association with Russia president Vladimir Putin.

The ongoing political battle that saw Russia invade Ukraine has been condemned across the world, including in the UK, hence the decision to sanction anything that’s owned and associated Abramovich.

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However, the publication reports that the UK government is considering additions to the special license granted to Chelsea to eventually allow for the sale of the European champions.

The sanction is intended to deny Abramovich an opportunity to make money from Chelsea.

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HOW THE SANCTION OF ABRAMOVICH WILL IMPACT CHELSEA

THE BAD NEWS FOR CHELSEA

  • Season-ticket holders can still attend games for which they have tickets but the club cannot now sell any more tickets.
  • Chelsea will also be unable to buy or sell players, or offer new contracts, while the sanctions are imposed on Abramovich.
  • The club’s merchandise shop will also be shut.

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THE GOOD NEWS FOR CHELSEA

  • Chelsea are able to pay the wages of all employees, including players and coaching staff.
  • They can pay “reasonable” costs of travel to and from fixtures but not exceeding £20,000 per game per team.
  • Fans who bought season tickets or individual match tickets before 10 March 2022 can attend games.
  • Rights-holding broadcasters can broadcast any fixture involving the club

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