Chelsea Granted Permission To Sell Tickets Again
Chelsea have been granted permission to sell tickets once again but proceeds from sales will not go directly to the club.
The European champions had been barred from selling tickets after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government for his links to Russia president Vladimir Putin.
Only season-ticket holders and supporters who bought tickets before the sanctions came into place were allowed to attend games.
A special license granted to allow Chelsea continue operating has now been amended and the club can now sell tickets for cup games, away games and matches for the women's team.
However, only season-ticket holders will be permitted to attend home Premier League games.
Supporters of away teams can purchase tickets for top flight games at Stamford Bridge but the proceeds will go to the Premier League.
Chelsea fans can also purchase tickets for away Premier League games but the proceeds will go to the home team alone.
The news means Chelsea can sell tickets for their UEFA Champions League quarter-final ties against Real Madrid and FA Cup semi-final encounter with Crystal Palace next month.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "The Government has today made alterations to the licence to Chelsea Football club so that fans will be able to access tickets to away matches, cup games and women's fixtures.
"I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible.
"Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK's sanctions list for his links to Vladimir Putin we have worked extensively to ensure the club can continue to play football while ensuring the sanctions regime continues to be enforced."
