Now Chelsea ask the FA to ban MIDDLESBROUGH’S fans from Saturday’s Cup tie, with a ridiculous plea about ‘sporting integrity’ just because the Abramovich sanctions mean their own fans can’t go 

Chelsea have announced they will not be able to sell tickets for their FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Saturday after failing to amend the terms of their Government licence.

The Blues were handed a special licence by the Government last week after owner Roman Abramovich‘s assets were frozen due to his link to Russian president Vladimir Putin, a seismic move which has left the club in limbo.As a result of Abramovich’s sanctioning, they are currently unable to buy or sell players, renew player contracts, spend more than £20,000 on match travel and sell tickets or merchandise.Only season ticket holders and fans who have already purchased tickets can attend matches while Abramovich remains owner, meaning supporters will be absent for a number of matches.

Chelsea have been in talks with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation over amending their licence to allow new tickets to be sold for Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Middlesbrough, but the club have revealed those discussions were unsuccessful.

And after missing the deadline to purchase away tickets, they are now calling for the game to be played behind closed doors at the Riverside Stadium.

‘We are disappointed to announce we will not be able to sell tickets for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough,’ a Chelsea statement says.

‘Despite engaging in extensive discussions with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), the deadline to purchase away tickets has passed without appropriate amendments being made to the Government licence which would allow a full allocation of Chelsea supporters to attend. 

‘Executives at Middlesbrough had been kind enough to extend their deadline for ticket sales and stadium allocation from 7.30pm last night until 9.30am this morning.

‘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

‘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.

‘We will continue to discuss the issue of ticket sales with OFSI as there are a number of fixtures still to be played this season and we hope to reach a resolution.’

The Government has issued a swift response to Chelsea’s statement, slamming the club for ‘threatening Middlesbrough and the rest of the Football League’.

A senior Government source said: ‘We are working around the clock to enable Chelsea to continue operating as a club in the interest of the fans. This statement threatening Middlesbrough and the rest of the football league shows they do not seem to understand the seriousness of the situation they are in, being owned by an entity that has been sanctioned because of links to a person responsible for appalling acts in Ukraine.

‘We are not opposed to Chelsea having fans at games in the long run, but we will not allow money from ticket sales to flow to a sanctioned entity.

‘Chelsea should spend less time worrying about having a few thousand fans at one game, and focus on moving their club into the hands of someone who isn’t linked to a warmonger.’ 

Chelsea Supporters’ Trust are urging the Government to amend their licence and allow as many fans as possible to attend games, saying in a statement: ‘The CST has made it clear to the Govt & the Sports Minister that supporters must be able to watch their team. We strongly urge the Government to amend the license & allow supporters to obtain tickets.

‘Playing behind closed doors does not benefit supporters.’ 

They received an allocation of 4,620 tickets for their trip to the Riverside, which has a capacity of 34,742, and have already sold roughly 600 tickets to away season ticket holders and hospitality season ticket holders. 

Middlesbrough have fully sold out their allocation for this weekend’s FA Cup tie.

When quizzed about Chelsea’s request on Tuesday, FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: ‘I would expect the game to go ahead.’ 

The extent of Chels’ea’s sanctions means they are even prevented from selling free tickets for club legend Peter Bonetti’s memorial service at Stamford Bridge on Friday 18 March, as it is still technically classed as a transaction.

Yet, tickets are not the only issue Chelsea have regarding Saturday’s game at Middlesbrough, as Thomas Tuchel’s side are also facing a 10-hour round-trip coach journey to North Yorkshire.