March 16, (THEWILL) – UEFA has announced that Chelsea’s Champions League match against Lille will take place on Wednesday as scheduled.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Kingdom government sanctioned Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich last week.
As THEWILL reported, his assets have been blocked, and Chelsea has been placed under restrictions, including the inability to sell new match tickets or merchandising, as well as spending limits for both home and away games.
The European Union (EU) then sanctioned Abramovich, casting further doubt on the second leg of Chelsea’s last-16 clash in Lille.
Thomas Tuchel’s team, on the other hand, has arrived in northern France, and UEFA has verified that the match will take place.
UEFA made it clear that everything was on place for the fixture on Wednesday: “As it stands, the match is taking place as scheduled,” adding that it “is fully committed to always implementing relevant EU and international sanctions.”
Europe’s football governing body explained in a statement that read: “Our understanding is that the present case is assessed in the context of the licence issued in the UK which allows Chelsea FC to continue minimum football activity whilst providing a safeguard that no financial gain will result for Mr Abramovich.
“We will work with the EU and relevant member states to ensure we have full clarity and remain in lockstep with all relevant and applicable measures in line with latest developments.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
