Roman Abramovich has been added to the UK government's sanctions list following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with all of the 55-year-old's assets including Chelsea Football Club frozen with immediate effect.
The club will be allowed to continue functioning with restrictions under a special sporting licence that expires at the end of May but its sale has been blocked and the owner will no longer be permitted to invest.
Among many consequences for the club under the "Russia Regulations" licence, any prize money earned will be frozen and supporters will not be allowed to attend away games.
Players and staff will continue to be receive their salaries and monies owed to clubs will be repaid.
The government's decision has caused a lot of confusion amongst Chelsea fans, who are understandably concerned about the immediate future of their club.
With that in mind, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) have issued a statement urging the government to conduct a process to minimise the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
The CST said: "The CST notes with concern the Government's statement regarding the owner.
"Supporters MUST be involved in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts on the club and its global fan base.
"The CST implores the Government to conduct a swift process to minimise the uncertainty over Chelsea's future, for supporters and for supporters to be given a golden share as part of a sale of the club."
A number of parties had registered an interest about buying the club, including one formal bid from a consortium led by US billionaire Todd Boehly.
As things stand, as long as Abramovich is on the sanctions list, the club’s ownership cannot change hands.
