Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could still be able to sell the Premier League club - despite the Russian billionaire being sanctioned by the UK Government.
On Thursday, it was announced that the 55-year-old will have his assets frozen, due to his close relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich had already confirmed his intention to sell the club, revealing he was open to offers after 19 years at the helm.
However, t he new sanctions - which involve Chelsea needing to operate under a new licence - have put his hopes of a quick sale in doubt.
The new restrictions have been implemented effective from March 10 to at least May 31, in order to ensure Abramovich is unable to benefit from his ownership of the club.
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Chelsea will be able to continue to operate and play fixtures under the licence with the Secretary of State for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport Nadine Dorries explaining: “I know this brings some uncertainty, but the Government will work with the league & clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended.
“Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We're committed to protecting them.”
Prior to the sanctions being imposed, Abramovich was hoping to fetch around £3billion for the London club, having purchased them for £140million back in 2003.
It was understood that up to 10 parties were in the running, with an American-Swiss consortium headed up by Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss reported to have lodged an opening bid.
CHELSEA LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest news and fall-out as Roman Abramovich is sanctioned.
And while Thursday’s announcement will make any sale exponentially more tricky, Abramovich could yet find a buyer - as long as he cedes all control of the transaction to the UK Government.
The Telegraph report that prospective buyers have not been put off by the fact Abramovich has had his assets frozen and could yet progress with their negotiations.
However, the destination of any funds generated from the sale would be determined by the government.
Special dispensation could also be offered to Chelsea, if the government believes the ownership is in the best interests of the club and not Abramovich.
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In the statement confirming that he was looking to sell the Premier League giants, he had suggested that money would go towards a charitable foundation to benefit the victims of the war in Ukraine.
“This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club,” his statement read last week. “Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated.
“The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
