Chelsea fans handed boosts as tickets to go back on sale amid ownership struggle
Chelsea fans handed boosts as tickets to go back on sale amid ownership struggle
In what has been a horrid month off the pitch for Chelsea fans, a ray of good news has emerged as they have been allowed to purchase tickets once more following a change in legislation passed by the UK government.
The club had initially fallen victim to the ties of their former owner, Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the Government following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. This meant that the club were no longer allowed to sell tickets to matches beyond those that they had already managed to sell, while the club shop was also forced to close and the Blues could not even sell matchday programmes.
▪️ Chelsea cannot sell any more tickets
▪️ Chelsea will also be unable to buy or sell players, or offer new contracts
▪️ The club’s merchandise shop has also been shutMore ⬇️ #BBCFootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 10, 2022
However, according to BBC Sport, ‘Chelsea will [now] be allowed to sell tickets to away games, cup matches and fixtures involving the women’s team after the UK government made alterations to the club’s special licence’.
Stamford Bridge faithful to remain absent
However, there is a glaring omission when it comes to the home stands, with Chelsea still unable to sell tickets to fill Stamford Bridge beyond current season ticket holders, while away fans will be able to attend the west Londoner’s Stadium.
The major exception is for the Women’s team, with a statement reading that ‘while only Chelsea season-ticket holders and those fans who bought tickets before the sanctions can attend Premier League home games, the government said an exception had been made for the WSL as “there is a risk of empty stands for these matches”.
Meanwhile, the struggle for the future ownership of the club rumbles on, with over 10 bids having been made for the club and the expectation being that the Blues will be the most expensive franchise ever to be sold.
