Chelsea have announced they are unable to sell tickets for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough after missing the deadline for allocation with discussions to amend their licence ongoing. As a result, the Blues have asked the FA board to ensure the tie is played behind closed doors for sporting integrity.
The FA will reject any such request, especially since close to 600 tickets had been sold to Chelsea fans before sanctions were imposed last week. Those supporters already in possession of a ticket will still be allowed to attend the game at the Riverside.
One source has said that the club may find much of the goodwill it has received in the past five days diminished following their request. All non-season ticket holding supporters, including opposition fans, will not be allowed to watch upcoming games at Stamford Bridge and if there is a supposed sporting integrity issue the door is now open for calls to make all the club's matches behind closed doors.
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Chelsea's statement read: "We are disappointed to announce we will not be able to sell tickets for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.
"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 Blues have been in discussions with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation in the aftermath of being given a 'Russian Regulations' licence to continue operating when Roman Abramovich's assets were frozen after he was placed on the government's sanction list. Chelsea hoped they would be allowed to adjust the licence and be allowed a full allocation of away supporters.
The club are unable to sell new merchandise, including tickets, as things stand but the licence has already been loosened to allow additional expenses for matchdays to ensure the team can prepare as normally. The licence will also be amended to allow the club's sale to go through in the coming weeks.
