Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the 55-year-old billionaire described as a "pro-Kremlin oligarch" who has been associated with president Vladimir Putin for decades.
The official report from the UK Government states: "Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich (hereafter Abramovich) is a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch.
"Abramovich is associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades.
"This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the Government of Russia."
The freezing of Abramovich ’s assets includes Chelsea, throwing the football club’s immediate future into doubt.
The government, via the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, has been granted a special licence called "the Russia Regulations" until the end of May. It is unclear what will happen beyond that date.
With all that said, football.london takes a look at explaining the impact on the club.
Can Chelsea still operate and play?
Yes, Chelsea are still able to operate thanks to a special sporting license that allows football activities to continue, however this is only related to footballing activities.
What does this mean for the sale of the club?
As reported over the past week, Abramovich was AIMING to sell the club as soon as possible for the "best interest" of the club, he said in a statement.
However, the freezing of his UK assets means that this is currently no longer able to go through - unless special dispensation is granted that would mean he does not earn a penny.
What else does this impact?
As a result of the license that Chelsea are now operating under, only footballing operations are to be undertaken.
This means that a number of things are impacted, with the selling of goods coming under the most restrictions.
So tickets to matches can no longer be sold past this point, with only season ticket holders able to attend games for the foreseeable future.
This also means there will be no away fans that can attend games at Stamford Bridge while the license is currently being held.
The same can be said of merchandising, with all club merchandise currently unable to be sold.
The club are allowed to spend a maximum of £500,000 on staging games, and a maximum of £20,000 on any travel for away games - which could be a serious headache logistically for Champions League matches, beginning with next week's round of 16 tie second leg away to Lille.
Catering services at the ground are still available, while security are still able to be hired for any home matches but that must fall under the £500,000 allowed.
What does this mean for the players?
Under the license, salaries can still be paid so there is not the threat of the players, coaching staff or general Chelsea staff not being paid as and when required.
What it does prevent, however, is the renewal of contracts and potential transfers from going ahead. This means any negotiations on those fronts could be put on hold during the uncertainty.
The club can also continue to repay clubs owed money from previous transfers.
