Chelsea fans are set to be able to attend their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace next month, bringing an end to the uncertainty over where the club stood ahead of the clash in the wake of their off-field turmoil.
The development came after Conservative MP Julian Knight angered both the FA and his own government by blaming Wembley chiefs for the confusion.
In a statement released this afternoon Knight, who is chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee that have grilled numerous sports leaders over the last two years, criticised the FA for ‘excluding’ Chelsea fans despite the fact that it is the terms of the government-operated special licence introduced after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned that is currently preventing them from buying tickets.
FA sources accused Knight of failing to understand the complexities of the process and taking a cheap shot at football administrators, while the government were also less than impressed by his contribution to the debate.
Moreover, despite Knight’s claims it is anticipated that Chelsea fans will be able to attend the semi-final as the government are in the process of updating the terms of the licence.
The government’s main concern is ensuring that after being sanctioned Abramovich does not make any more money out of Chelsea so they are currently working through three options for future sales: giving tickets away, freezing the revenue or handing it all over to charity.
Chelsea fans are set to be allowed to attend their side’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace
Julian Knight MP (above), chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, angered the FA and his own government by pinning the confusion over tickets on Wembley chiefs
The government are also having similar conversations with UEFA about how to enable Chelsea fans to attend their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next month, which will involve issuing fresh tickets as European knock-out games are not included in season-ticket packages.
‘It is ridiculous that we face the prospect of a half-full Wembley for the Chelsea vs Palace FA cup semi-final,’ Knight said.
‘Chelsea is more than just its owner, it’s a living organism with huge importance to its fans and community. It was understandable that, at short notice, last week’s game against Middlesbrough went ahead without Chelsea fans but, with this much notice, the FA have no excuse for excluding them.
‘The FA must be allowed to sell tickets to Chelsea fans so long as all money goes to the people of Ukraine.’
Chelsea secured their spot at Wembley after beating Middlesbrough despite off-field turmoil
Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government for his ties with Vladimir Putin
