ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has been BANNED from selling Chelsea by the British government amid sanctions on Russian oligarchs.
There will be no transfers or new contracts and the club have been blocked from selling TICKETS to matches, as well as merchandise.
The Russian's assets have been frozen and the club have been given special dispensation to conduct football-related activity only.
Shirt sponsor Three have also suspended their deal with the Blues, asking for their logo not to appear on shirts for the foreseeable future.
It comes as New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and a private Saudi consortium had joined the race to buy the club.
Billionaire Abramovich is said to have had over 300 parties express their interest in buying the Blues he values at £3billion.
And Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak said he was in talks to buy the club, adding: "The Turkish flag will fly over London."
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American Todd Boehly had also shown interest in purchasing the club.
But Abramovich is said to have rejected a £2.5bn offer for the West Londoners from another group.
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Abramovich BANNED from selling Chelsea as billionaire is sanctioned
Chelsea get transfer BAN and can’t offer new deals after Abramovich sanctioned
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- Jake Lambourne
Chelsea in turmoil
Chelsea's 3-1 win at Norwich last night barely registered as the Blues' future plunges further into doubt.
Roman Abramovich's hopes of selling Chelsea quickly look uncertain after his assets – including the club itself – were frozen.
And it's even been suggested the Blues need to find a buyer within 81 days or risk folding.
Chelsea's financial streams have been dammed up and at the very least they face a summer of cutbacks plus no new signings.
Only a special licence form the Government allows them to keep playing, pay staff and let CURRENT ticket-holders attend games.
But after Mason Mount inspired Premier League victory at bottom side Norwich, manager Thomas Tuchel insisted his squad won't be distracted.
He said: "I don’t know what is coming tomorrow.
“Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team.
“As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard.”
- Ian Tuckey
Mas appeal
Mason Mount kissed the Chelsea badge on his shirt after scoring against Norwich.
The Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has had his assets frozen by the UK government due to his connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club is unable to sell home or away match tickets to their fans. There is also a ban on any transfers – incoming or outgoing. And new contracts cannot be handed out to any of the squad.
Merchandise cannot be bought or sold and as a result the club shop at Stamford Bridge has been closed.
But Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and his players had to put all of the chaos to one side to face Norwich in the Premier League just hours after the Abramovich news broke.
Trevoh Chalobah got them off to a flyer at Carrow Road – heading in an early corner – before Mount gave his side a 2-0 lead after just 14 minutes.
And in what seemed to be a defiant message, the England international grabbed the club’s crest on his shirt and kissed it as he ran off celebrating. That came after fans showed their support for Abramovich by chanting his name ahead of their game against Norwich.
- Ian Tuckey
Nike 'consider quitting £540m Chelsea kit deal'
NIKE are considering walking away from their 15-year kit deal with Chelsea in a split that could cost the Blues £540MILLION, according to reports.
The Blues have been plunged into crisis after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government amid links with Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea have already seen shirt sponsors Three suspend their £120million partnership.
And according to the Daily Mail, kit manufacturers Nike could follow suit.
The two parties agreed a 15-year, £900m deal back in 2016 – but amid recent events Nike are claimed to be 'considering walking away'.
This would cost the Blues a staggering £540m.
Chelsea are already unable to receive Premier League or Champions League prize money amid Abramovich's sanctions. And they can't even sell tickets to their remaining home games.
The Blues' megastore is currently closed for business as they are banned from flogging merchandise.
Pat Nevin, who has a column in Chelsea's matchday programme, revealed on BBC 5Live earlier on Thursday that the Blues have already 'partially laid off' members of staff.
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel: All we need is shirts and a bus
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insists his squad will keep giving there all 'as long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games'
The Blues face financial cutbacks at the very least and potentially far worse if club owner Roman Abramovich fails to sell up quickly.
The Russian oligarch has had his assets frozen, including Chelsea, due to links with his country's leader Vladimir Putin amid the invasion of Ukraine.
And after tonight's 3-1 Prem win at Norwich, Tuchel said: "Let's see if it stays like this. If it does, I don't know.
"We take it day by day. I didn't see that coming yesterday and I don't know what is coming tomorrow.
"Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team.
"So far we can trust each other and this will not change.
"As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard."
- Ian Tuckey
Blues sur-Mount problem of Roman ruin
Chelsea's social media team hailed midfield masters Mason Mount and Kai Havertz after tonight's 3-1 win at Norwich.
The Blues' playmakers cast aside fears over the club's future due to owner Roman Abramovich's assets being frozen.
- Ian Tuckey
Rest of the Chelsea ratings
Kai Havertz – 7
Looks very confident in recent matches and that continued again tonight. He was beating players and making some really good contributions with Mount and Werner. Like most Chelsea players though, his second half performance dipped.
SUBS:
Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Azpilicueta (HT) – 6
Some good moments on the ball and rarely gave it away, but uncomfortable as a wing-back, obviously.
N'Golo Kante for Kovacic (85 mins) – N/A
Romelu Lukaku for Werner (85 mins) – N/A
- Ian Tuckey
More Chelsea ratings
Saul Niguez – 6
He was doing the basics well and making sure he kept the ball, but he doesn't really bring much to the left wing-back role as it isn't natural for him at all. OK game though.
Mason Mount – 8
He was on fire in the first half and was absolutely everywhere, winning the ball back deep, creating in attack, tackling, making some very neat passes, and of course, took his goal superbly and linked up very well with Kai Havertz. Second half he dropped off a little against Norwich.
Timo Werner – 5
Some nice little touches and movements early on but didn't do a lot more. Once again his final pass, attacking contributions, and first touch was more than questionable.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea ratings continued
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Very hard night's work from the captain who was up and down that right flank a lot with energy. He was doing his best to provide a threat in attack as well but it was his work rate that was the standout. He went off at half time, must be injured.
Jorginho – 6
Couple mis-placed passes or slow passes at the back that could have put Chelsea in danger, but also some good through balls in attack for the Blues. Sometimes a little slow on the ball.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Very quick and direct game from him, driving with the ball a lot and making things happen from deep as well as joining in attacks and arriving in the box. Worked hard and played with intensity.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea ratings at Norwich
Edouard Mendy – 6
Very quiet night for him really but he did have a couple of long-range efforts to save which he did well, and his distribution was good. Nothing he could do about the penalty.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Scored the opening goal with a great header and had a good first half. Unfortunately, he was very daft to stick his arm out in the box and give away a penalty, tarring his performance really. His second half was very poor.
Thiago Silva – 8
Once again, the calmest and most comfortable player on the pitch. Pure class on the ball and really does dictate everything at the back. On a couple of occasions, he gave the ball away but still looked class, says it all!
Andreas Christensen – 6
He was actually a little uncomfortable over as a left centre back being an unfamiliar position really for him. He was OK and didn't do a lot wrong bar a couple of mis-placed passes.
- Ian Tuckey
Norwich 1 Chelsea 3
Mason Mount set up Trevoh Chalobah's early opener and netted Chelsea's second goal as Blues' academy products showed all might not be lost if star players are sold off and finances reined in.
On a night dominated by the fall-out from sanctions against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Thomas Tuchel's men tightened their grip on third place in the Premier League.
Norwich fans taunted their counterparts over Abramovich's assets being frozen, while Blues' supporters chanted their backing for the Russian oligarch
But out in the middle there was a clear winner.
Chalobah converted Mount's corner before the England midfielder netted himself.
Norwich improved vastly after the break, Teemi Pukki's penalty halving the deficit following Chalobah's handball.
But Mount's goal supplier Kai Havertz notched Chelsea's late third goal.
- Ian Tuckey
True Blue kiss
Mason Mount kissed the Chelsea badge on his shirt after scoring against Norwich.
The Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has had his assets frozen by the UK government due to his connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club is unable to sell home or away match tickets to their fans. There is also a ban on any transfers – incoming or outgoing. And new contracts cannot be handed out to any of the squad.
Merchandise cannot be bought or sold and as a result the club shop at Stamford Bridge has been closed.
But Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and his players had to put all of the chaos to one side to face Norwich in the Premier League just hours after the Abramovich news broke.
Trevoh Chalobah got them off to a flyer at Carrow Road – heading in an early corner – before Mount gave his side a 2-0 lead after just 14 minutes.
And in what seemed to be a defiant message, the England international grabbed the club’s crest on his shirt and kissed it as he ran off celebrating. That came after fans showed their support for Abramovich by chanting his name ahead of their game against Norwich.
- Ian Tuckey
Norwich fans mock rivals
Norwich fans have been taunting Chelsea's travelling supporters at Carrow Road after sanctions were imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government this morning due to Russia's unjust invasion of Ukraine and his alleged ties with president Vladimir Putin.
This development has left the Blues in limbo regarding their financial future and the Canaries' fans decided to pour some salt in the wound during their Premier League clash.
Norwich supporters chanted: "Chelsea are bankrupt, everywhere they go."
They followed it up with: "Where's your money gone?"
This is after the west Londoners' travelling fans chanted Abramovich's name, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Ian Tuckey
Sell or collapse in 81 days?
Roman Abramovich has been given 81 days to sell Chelsea – or risk the club collapsing.
An astonishing day saw the Government effectively take control of the Blues after the Russian billionaire was placed on the UK sanctions list.
As shirt sponsors Three suspended their £40m contract, Chelsea were facing a further potential near-£66m financial black hole with their Premier League and Uefa prize money likely to be withheld.
And it emerged that the 'licence' that will allow the club to play on to the end of the season will NOT be renewed unless Abramovich agrees a sale – and walks away without a PENNY.
Chelsea have been told that a deal must be agreed before the licence runs out on May 31 to guarantee the survival of the club as a functioning entity.
The PM’s official spokesman explained: “A specific licence can be granted to allow any sale to proceed.
“But under no circumstance would any sale allow Roman Abramovich to profit from that or take any money from that sale.”
- Ian Tuckey
Blackbird holds up Canaries
CHELSEA'S fiery clash away at Norwich was stopped by the referee – after a bird landed on the pitch, writes JOHN HUTCHINSON.
The Blues, who are in crisis after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets seized, were 2-0 up and cruising.
But on the 25-minute mark, referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle to pause the game.
A blackbird had found it's way onto the pitch. At first it refused to fly off, and was sitting in the Norwich end.
With lots going on in that area of the pitch, the winged creature decided it would be safer at the Chelsea end.
Eventually the pitch invader was ushered off the grass.
Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount had fired the visitors into a 2-0 lead at bottom-of-the-table Norwich.
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel ‘wants to stay’
Thomas Tuchel wants to remain Chelsea boss despite the huge financial setback of sanctions against club owner Roman Abramovich.
The Government froze Abramovich’s assets amid the invasion of Ukraine due to the Russian oligarch’s links with Vladimir Putin.
But amid much speculation, and despite suggestions Tuchel would be the ideal boss for Manchester United, the weight of opinion tonight is that he’d be happy to stay at Stamford Bridge.
- Ian Tuckey
Reuben ruled out of Chelsea buy-out
Jamie Reuben will NOT be buying Chelsea, if Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has his way.
Reuben, 34, is a lifelong Blues fan and has been linked with a move for the West Londoners – despite his family owning ten per cent of the Toon.
But amid Chelsea's crisis in the wake of Roman Abramovich's assets being frozen, Ghodoussi has aimed to pour cold water on Reuben's potential Toon exit.
The 50-year-old tweeted to his 80,000 followers: "@jamiereuben you’ll never leave me 😜😂 #nufc #howaythelads"
Ghodoussi accompanied the post with a picture of himself with wife Amanda Staveley and Reuben on a First Class train carriage.
It would appear that the trio were on their way to tonight's clash between Southampton and Newcastle at St Mary's.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea fans chant Roman's name
Chelsea fans showed their support for owner Roman Abramovich by chanting his named ahead of their game against Norwich.
The Russian billionaire has had his assets frozen as a result of his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
This obviously includes his ownership of the West London club.
But before tonight's Premier League game, the visiting fans to Carrow Road loudly shouted his name.
They burst into passionate cries of 'Chelsea, Chelsea'.
Once the games started Blues's fans tried to make light of what is a serious situation by chanting 'Chelsea getting sanctioned, everywhere we go'.
The Londoners are unable to sell home or away match tickets, buy, sell or extend players' contracts and cannot sell merchandise – forcing the club shop to shut.
The Blues can, however, sell food and drink on matchdays. The sanctions effectively block Abramovich's sale of Chelsea – which has repercussions in the transfer market. The Blues will be unable to shop for reinforcements in the summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues use same shirts
CHELSEA took the field at Norwich in shirts featuring Three's logo, despite seeing their £120million sponsorship deal with the mobile network suspended.
Amid the chaos that followed owner Roman Abramovich's assets being frozen this morning, some expected Chelsea to have to sort out a last minute kit change.
The Blues posted their usual line-up graphic, with Timo Werner's arm covering the Three logo on his shirt.
But Chelsea's stars emerged onto the pitch wearing their usual clobber.
Mobile network Three announced this afternoon that they would be suspending their deal with the West Londoners.
A statement read: "In light of the Government's recently-announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club including the removal our brand from the and around the stadium until further notice.
"We recognise that this decision will impact the many fans who follow the their team passionately.
"However, we feel that given the circumstance, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do."
- Ian Tuckey
Tucherl admits' big change'
Thomas Tuchel has broken his silence as Chelsea were thrown into turmoil by the sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich – but insists he will stay.
The Blues’ owner has had his assets frozen by the UK government due to his connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club is unable to sell home or away match tickets to their fans.
There is also a ban on any transfers – incoming or outgoing.
And new contracts cannot be handed out to any of the squad.
Merchandise cannot be bought or sold and as a result, the club shop at Stamford Bridge closed.
Chelsea’s boss Tuchel and his players must attempt to put all of the chaos to one side when they face Norwich in the Premier League tonight. And he has offered worried supporters a glimmer of light as he insisted that he wants to stay at the club – despite admitting it is a ‘big change’.
He told BBC ahead of the game at Carrow Road: “Actually, I'm not sure I am concerned but I am aware of it. It changes almost every day. I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team. I know there is a lot of noise around."
- Ian Tuckey
Cesar: Not a normal day
Cesar Azpilicueta has admitted it’s ‘not been a normal day’ but insists Chelsea must focus on winning at Norwich.
The Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government and has had his assets frozen due to his connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club is unable to sell home or away match tickets to their fans. There is also a ban on any transfers – incoming or outgoing. And new contracts cannot be handed out to any of the squad.
Merchandise cannot be bought or sold and as a result the club shop at Stamford Bridge has been closed.
Despite all of this hitting the club within the last few hours, Chelsea's stars still have to take to the pitch to face Norwich in the Premier League.
Now their captain Azpilicueta has broken the players’ silence after arriving at Carrow Road and told the BBC: “Well, you know, I have to admit that this has not been a normal day. But we cannot control this matter.
“Today is going to be tough against a team fighting against relegation. Every point is massive when you are fighting relegation, but they know we are in good form. We have to forget about the stuff that is happening outside.”
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea 'partially lay off staff'
Chelsea have already 'partially laid off' staff after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government this morning.
The Blues have been plunged into crisis following the ruling on their owner amid links with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea stand to lose millions in ticket and merchandise sales, as well as from sponsors.
And according to former player Pat Nevin, the West Londoners have already started taking desperate action.
As quoted by the BBC's Jason Gibbins, Nevin, who has a column in Chelsea's matchday programme, told BBC 5 Live that 'staff have been partially laid off already'.
The players are expected to be fine, but worries have been raised for the club's numerous other staff members.
Chelsea could be deducted nine points if they go into administration before the end of the season. They are currently set to lose out on £600,000-per-home game in unsold tickets.
And they can no longer flog club gear at the Stamford Bridge megastore or online. The government have imposed a £20,000 cap on money that can be spent on away travel.
- Ian Tuckey
Here's how Chelsea line up at Norwich
The Blues will move seven points behind second-placed Liverpool if they win tonight – but given their new financial pressures they might be more concerned with the gap below them.
They'll be eight points clear of Arsenal, in fourth, should they defeat bottom side Norwich.
- Ian Tuckey
Odds on Poch return to Spurs slashed
Mauricio Pochettino may be on Manchester United's radar – but his odds on returning to Tottenham have been HALVED.
The under-fire PSG boss has gone from 6/1 to 3/1 with Coral after Real Madrid's comeback triumph over the runaway Ligue 1 leaders.
Coral’s John Hill said: “After PSG’s exit from the Champions League, Mauricio Pochettino could be set for the sack in France.
"We have slashed the odds on Poch returning to Spurs and being their manager on the opening day of the next Premier League campaign."
- Ian Tuckey
3 US groups target Chelsea buy-out
Three American-led groups are keen on buying Chelsea after sanctions on club owner Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich can still sell the Blues despite his assets being frozen as 'an application for a licence to sell the club would be considered' by the UK government.
Abramovich would not see any of the cash – instead, he would have to hand over the whole process to the government, who then would determine where the money goes.
According to the Telegraph, Raine, the New York-based bank handling a potential sale, have received almost 150 enquiries but so far three have emerged as the most serious and all are from the US.
Todd Boehly, together with Hansjorg Wyss and another businessman, have made an official offer between £2billion and £2.5bn.
The other two parties are the Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues to lose £600k per game
Chelsea are set to lose out on £600k-per-game in lost ticket sales for the rest of this season, reports claim.
The Blues were rocked this morning by the news that owner Roman Abramovich's assets have been frozen by the UK government, amid ties with Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea have been granted a special license by the government to keep playing, but their expected sale is now on hold.
The West Londoners cannot sell any tickets or merchandise, however, in a huge financial blow.
The club's 28,000 season ticket holders WILL still be able to attend home games – having already purchased their seats.
But the remaining 12,834 tickets at Stamford Bridge will be unsold.
According to a study by OLBG, Chelsea stand to lose out on £603,198 in unsold tickets per home game.
Should the issue not be resolved for the remainder of the season, the Blues will miss out on more than £3million from their final five home matches.
Chelsea have also seen their £120million shirt sponsorship deal with mobile network Three suspended.
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