LONDON : Chelsea have asked for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final game at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors for"sporting integrity" because they are unable to sell tickets due to restrictions imposed by a British government licence.
The London club said they were in"extensive discussions" with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation but could not make amendments to the licence in time to sell tickets to Chelsea fans for Saturday's game at the Riverside Stadium. "Chelsea FC recognises that such an outcome would have a huge impact on Middlesbrough and its supporters, as well as our own fans who have already bought the limited number of tickets that were sold before the licence was imposed.Reuters has contacted the FA for comment.