ROMAN ABRAMOVICH’S assets have been FROZEN by the European Union – a week after the UK government did the same.And under the terms and conditions, it states that Chelsea are unable to sell tickets until a takeover has been complete.
As a result, the Blues are asking for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, Kai Havert has revealed that he is willing to fund his own travel for the away fixture.
Keep reading to find out more on the situation surrounding Chelsea’s ownership problems.
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Police launch appeal for footballer
Police have appealed for information and eye witnesses after a former Scottish professional footballer died after being struck by a car on Sunday.
Paul Hampshire, 40, played for Raith Rovers, Berwick Rangers, and East Fife.
A Police Scotland statement read: “Road Policing officers in East Lothian can confirm that the man who died following a fatal collision on the A1 near Dunbar at the weekend, has been identified as 40-year-old Paul Hampshire.
“The incident took place around 1am, on Sunday, 13 March, and involved a black Ford Fiesta.
A statement from the family read: “It is with a saddened heart that Paul Hampshire, our beloved husband, dad, son, brother and uncle, has lost his life in a tragic accident.
“Paul was a devoted family man who was a larger than life character, an absolute legend and was loved by all who knew him.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of condolence and support. It has meant so much to the whole family. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
Inspector Brenda Sinclair, from Dalkeith Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Paul’s family and friends at this terrible time.
“Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing and we continue to urge anyone with information, or possible dashcam footage from the area, to call 101, quoting incident number 0269 of Sunday, 13 March, 2022.”
Middlesbrough reveal Chelsea fury
Middlesbrough slammed Chelsea’s “grossly unfair” request to play their FA Cup quarter-final behind closed doors at the Riverside Stadium.
The West Londoners have asked the FA to allow Saturday’s game to go ahead without fans “for matters of sporting integrity”.
But Middlesbrough will have none of it as they described Chelsea’s request as “bizarre” and “ironic in the extreme”.
That is why Boro released a statement insisting that they will resist that suggestion “in the strongest terms”.
Prem clubs Chelsea fears
Prem clubs fear that Chelsea’s new owner will gain a ‘competitive advantage’ over their rivals from Roman Abramovich wiping £1.5billion of debt.
Executives from rival Prem teams quizzed Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck over whether Abramovich’s promise to wipe the club’s debt would hand them a ‘competitive advantage’.
According to the Telegraph, Buck did his best to reassure rival executives that the benefits of being able to flog a debt-free Chelsea ‘far outweighed’ any downsides.
Buck, 76, also stressed that Abramovich would make no profit from the sale of the club.
He reiterated that money made from the deal will go to charity – although it is not yet known who in particular will benefit from the enormous sum.
Pep gets on his guard
Pep Guardiola reckons the Selhurst Park’s turf made things tricky for Manchester City during their surprise draw with Crystal Palace.
The Etihad gaffer, 51, made his comments after his title-chasers nabbed a point from their stubborn hosts with Liverpool breathing down their necks.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “The way we played was amazing in a difficult stadium with the grass not perfect, we were there all the time, we had a good game.
“I think they played good. There are still many games to play, we have to win a lot of games but the way we played, there’s no regrets about the team.
“We would have preferred to win of course but the game was well played.
“We played to win the game, we created more, the stats were there.”
Ney-t in the mood
Neymar has been spotted at Barcelona’s airport after being brutally jeered by a section of Paris Saint-Germain’s supporters.
The Brazil striker was barracked by PSG boo boys during the French giants’ 3-0 trouncing of Bordeaux on Sunday.
Spanish outlet Sport reports the Ligue One forward was on his way to catch a flight to Paris today before his team’s clash with Monaco on Sunday.
And he appeared to be wearing a baseball cap, dark glasses and a face mask in a bid to make his departure low key.
Hav some of that
Kai Havertz has revealed that he is willing to pay out of his own pocket for travel to Chelsea’s away game.
The Blues are in turmoil due to sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich after he was named on a UK Government sanctions list related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
However, Chelsea’s German striker Havertz has claimed that he would have no issue paying his own way to an away fixture.
Replying to the question, the 22-year-old said: “I would pay no problem.
“That’s not a big deal for us. For us to get to the games is the most important thing.
“There are a lot of harder things in the world right now than us taking a bus or plane to an away game and I would pay it is no problem.”
Chelsea FA Cup demands
Chelsea are demanding their FA Cup clash away at Middlesbrough is played behind-closed-doors due to their ban on selling tickets.
Blues chiefs had pleaded with officials to let them have some some fans at Saturday evening’s game.
But the club has now announced they were rebuffed in their efforts, meaning Thomas Tuchel’s team will have little support in the last eight clash.
There will be a small handful of Chelsea fans at the Riverside who bought early release tickets prior to Abramovich being sanctioned.
Where is Roman Abramovich now?
It is believed the Forbes-listed billionaire had been photographed in a VIP lounge at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel airport on Monday.
And a jet linked to Abramovich landed in the Russian capital, Moscow earlier on this morning after some reports in Israel claimed he was heading to Turkey.
A video of the Chelsea owner removing his jacket surfaced the internet further adding to the speculation of the Russian’s travel plans.
Roman Abramovich is also in possession of an Israeli passport.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israeli restrictions have imposed on some private jets meaning that it could not have remained on the ground for more than 24 hours.
However, Abramovich’s £460 million yacht Solaris was spotted coasting the sees on Tuesday morning.
Chelsea supporter new owners demand
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has laid out seven demands to any prospective new owner hoping to buy the club from Roman Abramovich.
The statement read: “The CST are seeking commitments on a number of fundamental issues from prospective buyers of the club. These include:
The outstanding balance of the loan from the club to Chelsea Pitch Owners should be forgiven, so that Stamford Bridge is secured by and for Chelsea’s supporters.
“The relevant recommendations of the 2021 Fan-led Review of Football Governance are implemented, namely:
A golden share for fans to protect key items of club heritage.
Consultation with supporters through the creation of a democratically elected shadow board.
A continued support for Chelsea FC Women and Chelsea Academy, both highly successful entities in their own right.
A commitment from prospective owners to engage in regular, constructive dialogue with supporters on issues of supporter interest, including fair ticketing and stadium development.
A commitment from prospective owners to continuing and building on the legacy of the Chelsea Foundation’s outstanding community work.
A guarantee that there will be no attempts to exit existing sporting structures without the engagement of key stakeholders, with supporters at the forefront – this includes the European Super League.”
Haaland transfer saga continues
Erling Haaland will delay his move to Manchester City and the Premier League as Real Madrid eye up a move, according to reports.
The 21-year-old forward’s £64million release clause is active, meaning he looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund for one of the European giants in the summer.
Earlier this month it was reported that the Norwegian had signed a deal with Man City to join them at the end of the season in a £100million transfer.
Pep Guardiola is thought to be extremely keen on bringing the striker to the Etihad.
But now, according to Marca, Haaland is prepared to delay a move to the Prem until later in his career.
Dzyuba rejects Russia call-up
Russia captain Artem Dzyuba has REJECTED a call-up to the national team just weeks after blasting Premier League-based Ukrainian stars.
Boss Valeri Karpin instead decided to organise training with plans to play a game against the Russian U21’s side.
But Dzyuba turned the call-up down ‘due to the difficult situation in Ukraine.’
Russia have no fixtures scheduled for the upcoming international break after they were banished from the World Cup qualifying play-offs amid the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Carr-ying the can
Jamie Carragher apologised to Chelsea supporters after criticising the Stamford giants’ approach to bringing in youth talent.
The Liverpool legend suggested the Blues youth level achievements were due to them poaching ‘the best players from every club within the country’.
The Sky Sports pundit, 44, faced a backlash from fans for the comments he made in regard to Chelsea’s Academy trophy success.
In response via his Twitter account, the Anfield hero wrote: “Apologies, I got a little emotional.”
Calvert-Lewin gets speeding fine
Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been fined £900 after he was caught driving eight miles over the speed limit in his Lamborghini.
The England star, 24, was clocked doing 58mph in a 50mph zone as he drove through Runcorn, Cheshire, in the flash motor.
He was due to stand trial at Chester Magistrates’ Court but changed his plea and admitted exceeding the speed limit.
No evidence was offered by the prosecution on a second charge of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver.
Calvert-Lewin, who is understood to be on around £100,000 a week for the Toffees, was handed a £900 fine, £620 costs and a £90 surcharge.
His guilty plea meant to maximum fine of £1,000 was dropped by ten per cent.
Ronaldo’s new super car
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his match-winning treble against Tottenham by turning up to training in a new £200,000 super car.
The Manchester United ace turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.
Ronaldo, 37, was already the talk of the town after his incredible performance to sink Spurs on Saturday.
The striker netted a brilliant hat-trick, including an 81st minute winner, to keep United’s top four hopes alive.
And Ronaldo celebrated in style by splashing out on a new luxury vehicle.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.
It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Vin the bag
Vinicius Jr responded in the best possible way after being racially abused by Mallorca fans… by celebrating in front of them.
The Real Madrid forward scored in Monday night’s 3-0 win away at the Iberostar Stadium to send Los Blancos ten points clear at the top of LaLiga.
But the victory has been marred with reports stating the 21-year-old was racially abused by the home supporters.
According to Spanish reporter Sergio Quirante, a section of fans aimed racist chants towards the Brazilian winger.
It has been claimed the incident happened as the former Flamengo forward was making his way to the tunnel at half-time.
Eriksen gets Denmark call-up
Christian Eriksen has been named in the Denmark squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch nine months ago.
Eriksen, 30, will be back in international action in friendlies against the Netherlands and Serbia later this month – with the latter to be played at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen – the scene of his cardiac arrest against Finland last June.
The matches will mark the former Tottenham star’s first international appearances since Euro 2020.
After being saved by hero doctors, Eriksen was fitted with an ICD device.
Chelsea’s sponsorship woes
Chelsea have had to keep Three and Hyundai branding on their kits for recent matches, despite having been ditched by the two sponsors.
Both brands appeared as the Blues beat Norwich 3-1 on Thursday night and overcame Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
According to The Athletic, this is because Chelsea cannot afford to print a new kit.
They claim that to do so would breach the terms of the license given to them by the government to keep operating amid Abramovich’s sanctions.
Prem title race view
Glen Johnson is confident that former side Liverpool will lift the Prem title this season.
He said to Bettingodds: “I’d probably say Liverpool. They’ve quietly gone about their business, chipping away at games, winning every week.
“They’re conceding less and scoring at will. No one would have thought they would have shut the gap back in January.
“Obviously it sounded crazy, with City 12 points in front of them. But how they’ve closed that gap, I think Liverpool are the ones that are ascending.”
Bring Nun to Toon
Newcastle are reportedly planning a repeat of their £90million January transfer spree this summer.
And £60m-rated Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is at the top of Eddie Howe’s list.
I News claims the Uruguay international, 22, is Newcastle’s ‘prime’ target after they failed to sign him in the winter window.
Toon reportedly failed with a £50m offer for Nunez, who has 20 league goals in just 22 matches this season.
Ney more curses
Neymar has finally broken the ‘curse’ of his sister’s birthday by playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend – but was booed as he did so.
The Brazilian has developed a curious habit of missing matches around his younger sibling Rafaella’s March 11 birthday.
In fact, Neymar went into this year having been absent from games in seven of the last eight seasons around Rafaella’s big day.
But that was not to be this time, as he lined up against Real Madrid and Bordeaux last week.
Merson’s damning Everton verdict
Everton’s run-in makes it difficult to see how they avoid relegation, according to former Arsenal man Paul Merson.
The Toffees currently sit perilously above the drop zone, ahead of 18th place Watford by virtue of goal difference.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: “I’m looking at Everton’s fixtures and the way they’re playing and I think they’re in big trouble. I think they’re the ones to go now.
“You’ve only got to look at their fixtures – they’re atrocious. I just can’t see how they stay up.”
Liverpool chase Celtic starlet Doak
Liverpool are reportedly set to poach Scottish wonderkid Ben Doak on a free transfer from Celtic.
The 16-year-old is yet to sign a professional contract at the Scottish giants and would only command a small compensation fee, which could be as little as £150,000.
And according to The Athletic, the Reds are set to win the race for Doak with the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp proving pivotal.
Chelsea face losing starlets
Chelsea faces losing its next generation of stars unless the Government changes its mind on signing new contracts.
Several of the club’s brightest talents emerging from the academy are up for new deals and face an uncertain future under the current terms of the operating license.
UK Government sanctions placed upon Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic prohibit the signing of new players and also negotiations to keep existing ones.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is not only concerned about the effects on the first team but right down the pyramid at Stamford Bridge.
England Under-17 World Cup winner George McEachran, 21, is a budding talent whose contract is about to expire having been at Chelsea since the age of eight.
Teenage midfielder Xavier Simons, 19, is one of the most highly-rated in the U23 squad and is also due to hold contract talks soon.
Abramovich’s ‘blackmail and kidnap’ scandal
Roman Abramovich is said to have been part of a £2billion scam and had his wealth protected through blackmail and kidnap, a BBC Panorama investigation has found.
The Chelsea owner is reported to have made billions by buying an oil company from the Russian government in a rigged auction in the 90s.
Mr Abramovich paid around $250million for company Sibneft – but later sold it back to the Russian government for $13billion in 2005.
A document seen by the BBC claims the Russian government was cheated out of $2.7billion in the deal and adds Russian authorities even wanted to charge Roman Abramovich with fraud.
Yuri Skuratov, Russia’s former chief prosecutor, had investigated the deal involving Abramovich and Boris Berezovsky and their links to Boris Yeltsin, who was president at the time.
Luk no further
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly wanted by Barcelona in a shock transfer should the LaLiga giants fail to land Erling Haaland.
Barca are eyeing a rebuild with club legend Xavi in charge and they have their sights set on signing a marquee forward.
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is Barca’s No1 transfer target but president Joan Laporta has ruled the club out of any deal that would put them ‘at any further risk.’
And according to Spanish outlet AS, Chelsea striker Lukaku is the fourth choice option behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
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