UEFA insist Chelsea’s clash against Lille will go-ahead
Uefa insist Chelsea's Champions League clash with Lille will go ahead despite fears EU sanctions against Roman Abramovich would see the match abandoned
UEFA have insisted Chelsea's clash against Lille will go ahead despite fears sanctions imposed upon Roman Abramovich by the EU would see the game abandoned.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich was slapped with sanctions over his relationship with Vladimir Putin last week and saw his assets frozen.
Chelsea have been placed under a special licence allowing them to operate but not generate any revenue.
However, the EU slapped further sanctions on Abramovich on Tuesday.
French newspaper L'Equipe quickly claimed the Champions League last 16-second leg could be at risk as the licence may not extend to matches outside of England.
But rival paper RMC Sport claims a Uefa official has insisted it does apply to European games.
Following Sunday's 1-0 win over Newcastle, Thomas Tuchel joked he would drive a seven-seater car if he had to in order to get his squad to France for the game.
However, the report in France states Chelsea booked their travel and hotel for their trip to Lille long before Abramovich was sanctioned.
RMC Sport also claim the real difficulties would be seen should the Blues progress to the quarter-finals - already leading 2-0 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would not be allowed to accept their bonus - around £1.5million - with the payment temporarily frozen.
Meanwhile, Abramovich has been told he CAN sell the club after the oligarch refused to accept any proceeds from the sale.
The Russian wants £3bn for the club, with the Saudi Media Group led by Blues fan Mohamed Alkhereiji launching a £2.7billion offer on Monday.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson also revealed the Government is still 'open' to Chelsea being sold.
They claimed: "We are open to the sale of the club, we would consider an application for a licence to allow that to happen in the right circumstances.
"But it is for Chelsea to determine the exact process.
"My understanding is potential buyers would approach the club, who would then need to apply for a further amended licence to facilitate the sale.
"As far as I'm aware that hasn't happened at this point.
