Roman Abramovich’s attempt to sell Chelsea has been halted after the oligarch was sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian, who has owned the club since 2003, put the European champions up for sale after the threat of sanctions was raised in Parliament.
The club’s seizure also means Chelsea cannot sell further match tickets.
The move comes to stop Abramovich, 55, from making money from Chelsea.
The government says it will issue a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket-holders to attend matches.
Season-ticket holders can still attend games for which they have tickets but the club cannot now sell any more tickets.
The club’s merchandise shop will also be shut.
