As part of the European Union’s restrictions imposed on Chelsea, they have to play their UCL home games behind closed doors
Chelsea has been advised that any Champions League home games will have to be played behind closed doors due to new European Union regulations imposed on the club. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was added to the EU’s list of those facing asset freezes on Tuesday, after already being sanctioned by the UK government. The Blues were previously barred from selling tickets to domestic games due to UK penalties, but according to The Athletic, their Champions League dates are also in jeopardy as a result of the latest European restrictions.
Manuel Locatelli could miss Italy’s World Cup play-offs
Because it is illegal to sell tickets to European games, Chelsea will have to play its Champions League home games behind closed doors until a new owner is found. UEFA have said that they “will work with the EU and relevant member states to ensure we have full clarity and remain in lockstep with all relevant and applicable measures.”
The Blues have already qualified for the quarter-finals of this season’s competition, having won the first leg of their last-16 encounter by two goals and the second leg by as well; they may not be able to play any more home games at Stamford Bridge due to a lack of support.
The quarter-final is set for April 5/6, with the second leg a week later, giving Chelsea less than a month to agree on the terms of their restrictions or complete a takeover. Following that, on April 26, the semi-finals will begin, and Chelsea will hope to have finalized something to help them welcome people to stadiums.
