The
Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) has called for the government to make
further changes to the club's special licence - including members being
allowed to buy tickets for home Premier League games - so as not to continue
to "punish" fans.
The club was put up for sale by owner Roman Abramovich at the start of March
in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
However, Abramovich was subsequently sanctioned by Downing Street over his
ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, with his assets frozen.
Chelsea have been able to continue to operate, but under strict conditions,
one of which means the club are not permitted to sell any new tickets to
supporters for home Premier League matches.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport later announced an
amendment for away fans, cup games and women's fixtures - provided Chelsea
do not receive any revenue.
Blues fans will be able to purchase tickets to future Premier League away
fixtures, with revenue going to the home club.
Visiting fans will also be able to buy tickets for Chelsea's remaining
league home fixtures, with the money going to the Premier League.
For future FA Cup and Champions League matches - including the semi-final
against Crystal Palace at Wembley and the European tie with Real Madrid at
Stamford Bridge - fans will be able to purchase tickets with revenue
collected by the relevant competition organiser or home club.
That means Chelsea season-ticket holders, followed by club members, will be
able to buy tickets for their Champions League quarter-final, first-leg tie
with Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 6 from 10am on Wednesday.
Despite the changes, no further home tickets will be made available to fans
at Chelsea's remaining Premier League home fixtures. Season-ticket holders
and those purchased before the sanctions were imposed will still be able to
attend.
The CST also previously set out a number of expectations of the new owners,
including a 'golden share', which would essentially give fans the right to
exercise a veto over certain important decisions, but feel progress on
engagement with the Government has been slow.
"We welcome the announcement made by Chelsea with regard to ticket sales as
a step in the right direction. However, we still believe further amends must
be made to the special licence so as not to punish supporters," a CST
statement
read.
"Since our meeting with the Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston MP & DCMS
officials on 10th March, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust has written to the
Minister more than once, including calling for: their support for the
implementation of the recommendations of the Fan Led Review in any sale of
Chelsea FC, including a golden share for fans; the Government to work with
Chelsea FC to ensure that supporters are not punished and allow members to
buy tickets for all games for the rest of the season.
"The Chelsea Supporters' Trust is deeply disappointed that we are yet to
receive any response from the Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston on these
pressing issues.
"During our meeting, he assured Chelsea supporters, that "fans should not be
punished" - we therefore call upon the Government to provide clarity and
rectify this situation with regard to ticketing as a matter of urgency.
"The Government must also note the impact the terms of the special licence
have had on dozens of ordinary people's livelihoods & local businesses who
have lost work as a result - and we once again call for all parties to
ensure that the sale of Chelsea FC is swift and transparent, to minimise the
uncertainty to these individuals and all Chelsea supporters.
"The sale of Chelsea FC is a real opportunity for Government to step up and
prove it is serious about improving football governance.
"The Government, the Raine Group and Chelsea FC must ensure that the sale is
conducted with the best interests of supporters at heart, and includes
safeguards to protect the club's heritage through a golden share, greater
supporter representation, waiving the loan to the Chelsea Pitch Owners, and
a commitment to upholding the inclusive values of Chelsea FC and the
diversity of its global supporter base."
The DCMS has been contacted for comment.
top