“After constructive talks between the FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to cancel its request that the FA Cup quarter-final match against Middlesbrough be played in front of an empty stadium,” the FA said in a statement.
Chelsea’s actions are based on the sanctions imposed on the owner of the Russian club Roman Abramovich, which, among other things, mean that the football club is not allowed to sell any new tickets. Chelsea appealed to the British authorities to allow their fans, despite the sanctions, to buy tickets for the team’s matches, but they were not heard.
“Sports Safety”
Therefore, earlier in the day the Premier League club sent a request to the Football Association that this weekend’s cup match against Middlesbrough be played in front of empty stands.
“For the Championship, it is important that the match against Middlesbrough is played as planned, but we are very reluctant to ask the FA Board of Directors to ensure that the match is played behind closed doors, to protect the integrity of the sport,” Chelsea wrote. In a press release.
The boss is angry
It was met with strong reactions. Among others are Steve Gibson, Chairman of Middlesbrough.
Chelsea and sporting integrity do not have the same meaning. What about the intelligence of Bruce Bucks, president of Chelsea? Who defended his owner. The titles won over the course of 19 years came from Abramovich’s bad money, Gibson told The Athletic and continued:
How is it with the cleverness of the Chelsea president when it comes to playing at home to the holders of the season cards? Does he want all of their matches to be played away from home in front of empty stands?
The fact that Britain placed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich on its sanctions list – the reason being the 55-year-old is closely linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin – has had dire consequences for Chelsea. Both the men’s and women’s team were given an exemption to continue playing matches, but the club may not, for example, recruit players, renew contracts or sell more tickets.
Season tickets and tickets already sold out, a number of Chelsea fans have already paid to watch the game against Middlesbrough right away.
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