Chelsea release statement on club operations after sanctions on Roman Abramovich

dailystar.co.uk:

Chelsea have released a statement regarding how club operations will move forward after the UK government placed sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.The club have explained that they will seek further talks with the government after completing fixtures against Norwich in the Premier League and West Ham in the FA Women's Super League.The statement reads: "Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government."By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich. "However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities."We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence."This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the club to operate as normal as possible."We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities."The club will update further when it is appropriate to do so."The Blues chief was one of seven oligarchs to have sanctions placed on them by ministers on Thursday morning - bringing the overall tally to more than 200 individuals and entities.Chelsea will be able to spend money on 'reasonable costs' of running a football club including but not limited to security, catering and stewarding - but not exceeding the value of £500,000 per fixture.With the club no longer able to offer up new contracts, it means that five.