Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte declined to mention the club's owner Roman Abramovich as he gave his verdict on the situation affecting his former employers as he described the latest developments as "a pity".
Abramovich has been added to the UK's list of sanctioned individuals, with his assets frozen, shrouding the club in uncertainty as they are forced to operate under a special licence pending further developments.
Questions have been asked regarding ticketing, player contracts and transfers, while a number of sponsors and partners have issued statements regarding their agreements with the London side.
Conte was asked about the matter in a press conference as he prepares for his current team Tottenham Hotspur to take on Manchester United on Saturday, and he expressed his concern while making no mention of Abramovich himself.
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"Honestly I have just listened to this situation<" Conte said..
"This morning we had a training session. Is not easy, is not easy. Honestly, it’s a pity, also because I was coach in this club, in Chelsea, i enjoyed two seasons. Also, I won two titles, I worked in this club.
"It’s a pity to listen to this situation, it’s not simple for the players, it’s not simple for Thomas Tuchel, for the fans, for the whole environment, [the] Chelsea environment."
Chelsea have released a statement in response to the developments, detailing the next steps for the club and confirming upcoming games are still due to go ahead.
"Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government," the statement reads.
"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 to do so."
Spurs boss Conte was Chelsea manager for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, winning the Premier League title, and has spoken of his fondness for the club during that period after expressing his hopes for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Ukraine.
The UK government's announcement about Abramovich makes reference to the Blues owner having a "close relationship for decades" with Russian president Vladimir Putin, though the 55-year-old has denied links with Putin.
"Honestly, I hope that in general, that this situation between Russia and Ukraine is going to finish, and to find a peace," Conte continued.
"And then, other situations that are coming, from this conflict. I think that it’s not right.
"I hope for the best, for [Chelsea], because I worked in this club, I enjoyed the two seasons. For sure, I love the team, the club, that I worked in, in the past. Every team that worked in the past. I hope for the best for them."
