After the sanctions against Chelsea were upheld by the UK Government, the London club realized that they won’t be able to sell tickets for their Saturday’s away FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough. As a result, the Blues have asked the Football Association for the match to be held behind closed doors – without any fans in attendance.Chelsea have asked to play their FA Cup quarterfinal at Middlesbrough behind closed doors ‘for matters of sporting integrity’ because they are not allowed to sell tickets to their fans. pic.twitter.com/HGDyXap44P— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 15, 2022 The club said it had been in discussions with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation about ticket sales for the match at the Riverside, but had been unable to find a solution. That is why the club issued a statement asking for the FA to intervene.”It is important for the competition that the match against Middlesbrough goes ahead, however it is with extreme reluctance that we are asking the FA board to direct that the game be played behind closed doors for matters of sporting integrity. Chelsea FC recognises that such an outcome would have a huge impact on Middlesbrough and its supporters, as well as our own fans who have already bought the limited number of tickets that were sold before the licence was imposed, but we believe this is the fairest way of proceeding in the current circumstances.”Kai Havertz on Chelsea not being able to fly to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup game on Saturday: pic.twitter.com/eSLh9Jp0Ua— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 15, 2022 Sports Minister Nigel Huddlestone gave evidence to the Department of Media, Culture and Sport select committee on Tuesday and said the government may amend its licence to allow Chelsea to sell tickets, so long as their Russian owner Roman Abramovich does not profit from the move.FA CUPQuarter-finalSaturday20.15: (7.50) Middlesbrough (4.40) Chelsea (1.45)Sunday15.30: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.25) Everton (3.60)18.00: (10.0) Southampton (5.90) Manchester City (1.32)21.00: (11.0) Nottingham Forest (6.50) Liverpool (1.28)***odds are subject to change
