Despite Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK government for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine, the club called for an FA Cup match against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors “on matters of sporting integrity”. ”

“Chelsea FC is aware that this outcome will have a huge impact on Middlesbrough and its supporters, as well as our own supporters who have already bought a limited number of tickets sold before the license was introduced, but we believe this is the fairest. course of action under the current circumstances,” the club said statement Tuesday.

Despite sanctions against the Russian oligarch and the club, Chelsea have received a special license to continue matches, but some activities are not permitted, such as selling tickets for matches beyond those already sold to fans.

Existing season ticket holders are allowed to attend home matches, as well as fans who purchased tickets before the decision of the UK government on 10 March.

Calling Chelsea’s request “extremely ironic”, Middlesbrough said the club would strongly resist calls to play the match in an empty stadium. Middlesbrough play in the second tier of English football but have already knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup this season.

“To suggest that the MFC and our fans should be punished is not only grossly unfair, but unfounded.”

Chelsea’s request to play the match without spectators went unanswered on social media.

Later on Tuesday, the English Football Association reported that Chelsea had agreed to withdraw their request to play the game behind closed doors.

“The FA continues to negotiate with Chelsea, the Premier League and the government to find a solution that would allow Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, while still enforcing the sanctions,” he said. FA representative.