Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel did not get much time to celebrate Wednesday’s Champions League victory in Lille.
After a 2-1 victory in France, Chelsea’s 4-1 aggregate victory in round 16, Tuchel was asked about the off-field problems surrounding the club ahead of next month’s quarter-finals.
In an interview after the game, Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill asked Tuchel to comment on the news that Chelsea fans will not be able to participate in future games in this season’s competition.
Chelsea will face their opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday.
With whom they paired, the Stamford Bridge legs were set to be played behind closed doors.
After saying this after Chelsea’s win at Lille, Tuchel replied: “Thank you for ruining my evening. I was in such a good mood. Can we talk about it if it is confirmed?”
“It’s confirmed,” Cotterill retorted, to which Tuchel said, “so let’s wait for the confirmation to come.
“Let’s see. Today I’m glad we’re in the last eight.”
This came after the European Union added Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to its updated list of individuals whose assets have been frozen over their roles in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich is alleged to have links with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was sanctioned by the UK government last week.
As a result of Abramovich’s sanctions, all his UK assets were frozen, but Chelsea FC were given a special license to allow them to continue playing.
One of the conditions of the license is that the club can not sell tickets.
Season ticket holders can still join players, but Champions League matches are not included in their packages.
A UEFA statement on Tuesday read, as reported by football.london: “UEFA is fully committed to always implementing relevant EU and international sanctions.
“Our understanding is that the present case is being issued in the context of the license and UK assessment, which allows Chelsea FC to continue the minimum football activity, while providing protection that no financial gain results for Mr Abramovich.
“We will work with the EU and the relevant Member States to ensure that we have full clarity and keep up to date with all relevant and applicable measures.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel was photographed during his Chelsea team 2-1 victory in Lille
IMAGO / Panorama
Chelsea fans will again be able to buy tickets for the games once the club has been sold.
Some interested parties are in the process of bidding, but the sale of Chelsea will only be allowed if the UK government can be convinced that Abramovich will not receive any revenue.
The Champions League quarter-finals take place on 12/13 and 26/27 April.
SEE ALSO: Chelsea fans throw bottles at police in “Roman Abramovich” chants in Lille
Add Comment