Today the UK government has announced further sanctions against individuals linked to the Russian Government.
The list includes Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich and Chelsea are facing a number of serious restrictions as a result.
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries says the club has been issued a special licence to allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches.
However, Chelsea has been stopped from selling any new tickets and the club shop has been closed.
The club is also going to be subject to a transfer ban and prevented from negotiating new contracts with current players.
While the sanctions are set to expire on May 30, there's still a chance they could be renewed, leaving football fans without tickets to any upcoming matches feeling pretty glum.
One Chelsea fan has shared his thoughts on this with The Mirror, telling how he believes the sanctions are the "right decision" but that they have taken away the "escapism" of football for him.
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Matt Peacock, who works at a PR agency in London, said: "My family and I usually go to four or five games a season, from the Women’s FA Cup final this season to pre-season friendlies, and has always been a bonding experience, whether we’re winning trophies or losing finals, and a chance to catch up now I’ve moved out.
"It’s been part of my life since I can remember so going to the stadium always brings back great memories and the feeling of walking into Stamford Bridge with 40,000 fans never gets old.
"The news of the sanctions against Roman Abramovich didn’t come as a great surprise but it had to be done given his connection to Putin and the ongoing atrocities we’re seeing in Ukraine.
"While the feeling of escapism I get from watching games won’t be there now, and I don’t know the next time I’ll be able to go to the stadium, it is the right decision and could be much worse. I do feel sorry for the Chelsea club workers, who must be feeling incredibly anxious about their jobs and futures."
The 25-year-old continued to say: "Under Abramovich, we won every trophy available to us so I’ve been privileged to watch some fantastic teams and games while fans of other historic teams have seen their clubs fold, so now is the right time to cut ties and try to look forward, but it’s difficult right now."
And Matt isn't the only one feeling this loss of escapism, over on Twitter fans have been sharing how detrimental this move could be for their mental health.
A user named Manish claimed there were "dark days ahead" for fans, writing: "I'm so glad I experienced us winning the Champions league one last time. Was one of the best days of my life. Chelsea has been a huge part of my life and also for my mental health. REAL dark days ahead."
Similarly, Dave posted: "All through my life, I have battled mental health issues that I never really talk about, one of the things that gave me a break was being a fan of the great @ChelseaFC, this morning I sit in tears thinking that I may never see my team again... heartbroken."
While Tom wrote: "Honestly I'm lost for words. Call me sport washed or whatever, football is where I find peace and joy. Roman Abramovich's Chelsea was a key piece for my mental health. I'm heartbroken right now. Thank you, I'm grateful, and I'm sure all Chelsea fans are."
Chelsea have since shared a statement outlining what happens next for the club.
It reads: "Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government.
"By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich.
"However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.
"We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence.
"This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the Club to operate as normal as possible.
"We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.
"The Club will update further when it is appropriate to do so."
What are your thoughts on the sanctions? Let us know in the comments below.
