![Chelsea invoked 'sporting integrity' after sanctions prevented club from selling tickets for FA Cup match, then it removed request](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/220310044544-roman-abramovich-02122022-restricted-super-tease.jpg)
Chelsea invoked 'sporting integrity' after sanctions prevented club from selling tickets for FA Cup match, then it removed request
CNN
It's a request that was described as "ironic in the extreme."
Despite Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK government for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine, the club had called for its FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors for "matters of sporting integrity."
Abramovich's sanctioning means Chelsea is unable to sell any more away tickets for Saturday's match due to the restrictions on the club.
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