Russia president Vladimir Putin's intervention has ensured Chelsea's Champions League tie against Lille will be available to watch on TV within the country.
It comes after the Stamford Bridge outfit were plunged into a state of chaos after the UK government imposed sanctions on the club's owner Roman Abramovich which mean the Blues must operate on a reduced budget and are unable to buy or sell players, negotiate new contracts or sell any merchandise. The sanctions were imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine as Abramovich's ties to the Russian president came under the spotlight.
But the club have been accused of failing to "understand the seriousness of the situation they are in" after requesting their FA Cup match against Middlesbrough is played behind closed doors. And Roman Abramovich's private jet has landed in Russia after he was spotted for the first time in a month at an airport in Israel.
