It was unexpected. And on the evening of the victory in Lille in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League, the Chelsea players were already imagining a quarter-final disputed in front of almost empty stands, at least at Stamford Bridge. In fact, since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the British government has enunciated a series of sanctions against the Russian Oligarchs in general and Roman Abramovich in particular. With the consequences that we know for the Blues, for sale, and which can only survive thanks to a special license granted by the British government.
It is precisely this derogation which was modified on Wednesday. It is only partly so. “The Government today (Wednesday) made changes to the license granted to Chelsea Football Club so that fans will be able to purchase tickets for away matches, Cup matches and women”, explained in particular Nigel Huddleston, the Minister of Sports.
From the public but no income
In the Premier League, while Blues supporters will be allowed to support their team on the go, all revenue will go to the opposing team. At Stamford Bridge, only subscribers and people who bought their tickets before the sanctions were put in place will be admitted to the Chelsea fan side. But opponents will now also be able to come and fill the spaces reserved for visitors, the income this time being donated to the Premier League.
Finally, for the Champions League as well as for the Cup (as already announced), the Blues will be able to sell tickets but once again, the income will go directly to the Premier League. At least, the formation of Thomas Tuchel will be able to receive Real Madrid, next April 6 in the quarter-final first leg of the C1, with a real audience. Weight support that is anything but negligible.