Chelsea have received a major ticket boost ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash against Crystal Palace next month.
Liverpool and Manchester City will contend the other tie in a bid to book themselves a place in the final showpiece against either London club. Chelsea, though, will be allowed to have supporters at their game, which is set to take place at Wembley on Easter weekend (April 16 to 18).
They had been unable to sell tickets after their owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government earlier this month due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and his connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are links Abramovich has previously denied.
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Chelsea are allowed to continue operating under strict limitations, but now a government document seen by The Associated Press reveals they will be allowed to sell tickets for their upcoming Champions League and FA Cup games, as they won't receive any cash. Competition organisers will receive any proceeds from tickets sold for these fixtures.
A statement from from sports minister Nigel Huddleston reads: "The government has today made alterations to the licence to Chelsea Football Club so that fans will be able to access tickets to away matches, cup games and women's fixtures. I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible.
"Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK's sanctions list for his links with Vladimir Putin we have worked extensively to ensure the club can continue to play football while ensuring the sanctions regime continues to be enforced."
Restrictions mean Chelsea are still unable to sell new tickets for Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge, unless they are existing season ticket holders, although away fans are now able to buy tickets.
Liverpool have already faced the London club in one domestic cup final this season as they met at Wembley last month for the Carabao Cup final. The Reds emerged victorious following a dramatic penalty shootout where goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher scored the winning spot kick.
