Chelsea Can Still Be Sold Despite Government Sanctions

Roman Abramovich could still sell Chelsea, despite sanctions against the Russian by the UK government that has seen his assets frozen.

Abramovich has been in the middle of looking for a buyer for Chelsea in recent weeks, having had the threat of sanctions hanging over him.

On Thursday morning it was confirmed that sanctions had been placed against the Russian billionaire, which seemed to put an end to his chances of selling the club.

It also means that the Blues can't do any transfer business or even sell tickets to fans, meaning only season ticket holders can actually go to games for now.

However, Abramovich could still sell under one circumstance, according to iNews, if none of the proceeds of the sale actually benefit the 55-year-old then in theory the club can be sold.

Abramovich could still sell the club. Image: PA Images

The report says that the billionaire's accounts will be 'monitored closely' by officials, and that he wouldn't be able to gain in any way from any sale.

He would also have to apply for a special licence in order to sell the club, declaring that he won't be benefitting from selling the side he's owned since 2003.

Abramovich had originally claimed that any 'net profits' from the sale of the club would go towards 'victims of the war,' although he hadn't said what charity that would be too.

The Russian was also reportedly asking for up to £4 billion for the club, which is said to have included the £1.5 billion of debt the west London side owe him.

Chelsea's club store has had to be closed after today's news. Image: PA Images

The club have been given a special licence to carry on working as a football club, meaning they can play tonight's league fixture with Norwich City.

However they can't even sell merchandise at the club shop, or sell tickets, and that has led to them confirming an appeal to amend the licence.

A number of other sanctions have been placed on the club, which includes the amount of money that can be spent on travel to away games, or putting on home games.

Whilst fans have been defending, and showing support, for Abramovich in recent weeks, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has claimed the 55-year-old is 'one of the worst things to happen in English football.'