Britain’s Department of State for Digital, Cultural, Media and Sports Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that Chelsea fans will be able to purchase tickets for away matches, cup matches and women’s matches after the British government amended the club’s licensing.
The ministry added that Chelsea will not receive any revenue from ticket sales, as all proceeds will go to the relevant competition organizers.
Chelsea were unable to sell tickets for their matches due to British government restrictions after imposing sanctions on Russian club owner Roman Abramovich in the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK sanctions list we have worked extensively to ensure that the club can continue to play football while ensuring that the sanctions regime continues to be enforced.
“I would like to thank the fans for their patience as we work with the football authorities to make this possible.”
Chelsea cannot sell tickets to fans for league matches at home, but fans of rival teams can buy tickets for matches at Stamford Bridge, with the proceeds going to the Premier League.
The club will be able to sell tickets for the Champions League quarter-final match at home to Real Madrid on April 6, and to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Crystal Palace ten days later.
“The revenue will go through the Premier League to the competition organizer or local club rather than Chelsea so that existing sanctions continue to be complied with,” the government added.
Chelsea season ticket holders and fans who bought tickets before the sanctions can attend Premier League matches, but an exception has been made for Women’s Premier League matches as “there are concerns that there will be empty stands for these matches”.
In addition, Chelsea fans can purchase tickets for away home Premier League matches with all proceeds going to the home team.
Chelsea was initially offered for sale by owner Roman Abramovich after the Russian attack and before the British government imposed sanctions on the billionaire, effectively giving it control of the club.
The sale of the club is being overseen by the US bank Rain Group, which plans to reduce the shortlist of those wishing to buy the club to three.