The FA have announced that Chelsea's request for their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors will be discussed on Wednesday. The Blues confirmed that they intend to lodge an appeal with the relevant governing bodies due to ongoing sanctions dealt to owner Roman Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
An official statement read: "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.
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"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."
It remains to be seen what the outcome will be of the appeal but The FA have announced that the matter will be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday.
An official statement read: "We are aware of Chelsea FC's request to play their Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final tie against Middlesbrough FC behind closed doors. "The matter will be discussed at the Professional Game Board meeting tomorrow."
The Blues are set to travel to the Riverside on Saturday, March 19, as it stands. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:15pm. Thomas Tuchel's men have already found their way past Chesterfield, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town to book their place in the quarter-finals.
