Chelsea seek sanction amendments to ‘operate normally’

Chelsea will seek amendments to the government’s operating licence in a bid to function more normally.

“Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government,” read a Chelsea statement.

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“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.

“The club will update further when it is appropriate.”

Chelsea take on Norwich on Thursday night and the Premier League confirmed the match would go ahead as planned.

“The Government has issued an initial licence to enable Chelsea FC to continue to train, play its fixtures and fulfil its obligations for the rest of the season,” a league statement read.

“The league will now work with the club and the Government to ensure the season will proceed as planned and in line with the Government’s intention.”

Meanwhile, the Chelsea Supporters Trust called for fans to be fully included in discussions over the way forward.

“The CST notes with concern the Government’s statement regarding the owner,” the group said in a post on its official Twitter page.

“Supporters must be involved in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts on the club and its global fan base.

“The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process to minimise the uncertainty over Chelsea’s future, for supporters and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club.”