British billionaire Nick Candy remains interested in buying Chelsea and has pledged to install a fans' representative on the board if he completes a deal for the club.

Candy said he was "actively exploring" a deal after Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club, before reaffirming his interest in purchasing the Blues after the Russian was hit by sanctions from the UK government in response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea are now operating under a special sporting licence, barring them from negotiating new contracts or transfers and preventing them from making ticket or merchandise sales, although reports have suggested that the government may yet permit a swift sale of the club.

Despite the uncertainty engulfing the European champions, property magnate Candy announced via a statement that he remained interested in buying the club and would look to involve a fans' representative in the running of the Stamford Bridge club if he is successful.

"We welcome the news that the sale of the club will be conducted quickly," a spokesperson for the 49-year-old said.

"This is a reassuring development for fans after a week of great uncertainty.

"Mr Candy cares hugely about the future of the club and believes that the fans and the community are central to its continued success.

"Should his bid be successful, Mr Candy would advocate for a fan representative to join the board so supporters become part of the decision-making process. 

"If the club requires money to operate in the short term, Mr Candy would be happy to help ensure it has the necessary financial resources, subject to government approval."

Meanwhile, Candy's representatives also confirmed that the lifelong Blues fan was to attend their Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday. 

Other bidders to have made their interest in the Stamford Bridge club known include a Swiss-American consortium led by billionaires Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly. The sale of the club is being handled by the US-based Raine Group, which set a deadline of March 15 for prospective bidders, though further bids are still expected to be made.

On the pitch, Chelsea have coped well with the turmoil surrounding the club, defeating Norwich City 3-1 in their last Premier League outing ahead of their home clash with the Magpies.

Meanwhile, former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who scored 69 Premier League goals for the London club, says he is concerned about what the sanctions could mean for Chelsea's season, but hoped to see an ambitious new owner arrive shortly. 

"It is a big concern [the prospect of Chelsea not being able to finish the season]," the Dutchman told Sky Sports ahead of the Newcastle game. 

"I don't think this is very good for the Premier League. I don't think it will get to that.

"When players hear that, it will be a concern as well. You want to finish the season properly and then you can assess. 

"I do think Chelsea will be okay and will be bought by a new owner and it's an owner with the same vision that it has now."

Roman Abramovich has been disqualified as a director of Chelsea by the Premier League following the UK government's decision to sanction the club's owner.

Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs to have his assets frozen on Thursday due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The 55-year-old, whose net worth is reported to be in the region of £9.4billion, has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Due to the asset freeze, Abramovich cannot press ahead with his decision to sell the club on his terms.

Abramovich reportedly could, however, apply for a licence to allow him to sell the club, though he would receive no proceeds from a sale in such circumstances.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to continue trading – and indeed playing – as a football club, but have been hit by other severe sanctions.

They include a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches, while the Blues cannot buy or sell players, or offer new contracts.

In a statement on Saturday, the Premier League confirmed Abramovich's removal as a director.

It read: "Following the imposition of sanctions by the UK Government, the Premier League Board has disqualified Roman Abramovich as a Director of Chelsea Football Club.

"The Board's decision does not impact on the club's ability to train and play its fixtures, as set out under the terms of a licence issued by the Government which expires on 31 May 2022."

Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday in their first game at Stamford Bridge since these developments.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says turmoil surrounding the club pales in comparison to his concern about events in Ukraine and other war zones.

The Blues head coach was speaking before reports emerged that Chelsea's bank account has been suspended by Barclays. Sky News said the action was taken to allow the bank time to look at the licence Chelsea have been granted to continue to operate as a football club.

Tuchel expressed gratitude for his "privileged" position as a coach, and affirmed that speaking about Chelsea's hardships makes him feel "uncomfortable".

With owner Roman Abramovich one of several oligarchs hit with sanctions from the United Kingdom government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea face restrictive measures affecting ticket and merchandise sales, as well as transfer and contract negotiations.

The Blues briefly set their troubles aside to beat Norwich City 3-1 on Thursday, but Tuchel says Chelsea's hardships, though disruptive, do not compare to those faced in Ukraine and elsewhere.

"It is hard to focus only on football," the 48-year-old told Sky Sports. "But as bad and as horrible as the situation is in Ukraine, and the situation that Russia started this war, which is incredible and unacceptable and horrible, there are so many things which are more important than football.

"It was also [this way] before the war Russia started.

"There are children dying, and other wars going in the world that are not so much in the [public] focus, people dying of corona. So, there are so much more, so many more important jobs out there than mine, and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

"There are so many people out there helping in war zones, helping children getting water, getting medication, there are so many more important jobs out there than being a football coach.

"It makes me feel uncomfortable to name it a problem, where we are [within football]. Because we are still very, very privileged, this is how I personally feel."

With Chelsea preparing to host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, looking to defend a nine-match unbeaten home run in the competition, Tuchel says current circumstances mean he intends to saviour every moment in his role.

"Maybe it has never been more true to live in the moment, because everything else seems very, very difficult," Tuchel said.

"To understand the situation feels very difficult, to see where it is going is maybe impossible. So in the end, we stick to the mantra to live in the moment and worship where we are.

"It is not easy, but it is out of our control. Sometimes it makes things more difficult, but sometimes [it is] more easy to accept we cannot do anything in the moment, to wait and to constantly adapt."

Frank Lampard insisted Everton are not in a "crisis" despite the Toffees sitting just a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Everton were hammered 5-0 at Tottenham last time out as they fell to a 14th defeat in their last 18 top-flight games, leaving them in 17th with just 22 points after 25 games.

That is their lowest points tally at this stage of a top-flight season in the club's history, with Lampard's side heading into a crucial phase of the relegation battle.

Lampard has been keen to stress the importance of Everton's form at Goodison Park, but no team has lost more Premier League home games than the Toffees (13) since a 2-1 loss to West Ham at the start of 2021.

Ahead of hosting Wolves on Sunday, Lampard stressed his team's struggles are commonplace in football as he downplayed any suggestions of turmoil.

"It's not a crisis. It's very normal and I did have bad ones [in the past]. I don't need to name them, but I had some bad personal ones, team ones," Lampard responded when asked about the situation at Everton.

"That happens in football and in the position that we're in. I didn't think we'd win 15 on the bounce and get into the Europa League positions.

"You have to be very candid with the players, and they should want that because nobody liked Monday night [against Spurs]. I had them as a player."

Everton have lost their last three Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 8-0. They last had a longer run of consecutive league defeats without scoring a single goal between August and October 2005 (6), but Lampard remains optimistic.

"The message from my point of view is I'm very much ready for the fight and the challenge. Nothing has surprised me since coming in," he said.

"We appreciate the support, I remain very optimistic and confident, but the reality is we need results."

Lampard was also asked about his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the British government following Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

However, the 43-year-old revealed he did not often communicate with Abramovich, despite playing over 400 times for Chelsea and managing the club between 2019 and 2021.

"I can probably count on one hand how many times I've seen him in the last however many years," Lampard said of Abramovich.

"I worked for Chelsea, which was an absolute pleasure, for 13 years and that's exactly where I want to leave that one."

Antonio Conte is looking for Tottenham to continue improving when they travel to Manchester United as the two teams battle for a Champions League place.

After hammering Everton 5-0 on Monday, Tottenham sit just two points behind the fifth-placed United with two games in hand and are looking to strike a huge blow in the top-four race on Saturday.

Conte has won four of his six meetings with United in all competitions, most recently winning the FA Cup final 1-0 against them as Chelsea coach in May 2018. However, the Italian has lost on both of his visits to Old Trafford.

Ahead of the crucial clash, Conte spoke about the improvements made by his team recently and suggested that the Red Devils' struggles had offered hope for his team in the battle for the top four.

"I think we've improved, and we are improving through our work every day," he said. "We're ready to understand what our level is now.

"They [United] lost the derby [4-1 at Manchester City last week], and you know very well the importance of this type of game. But, we have to try to give continuity, to think of ourselves, not of others. We want to show our progress. 

"It's an important game on Saturday, [against] a team that is fighting this season for a place in the Champions League. Normally they stay regularly in this position, but this season they're struggling a lot.

"For this reason, we have to try to give our best to stay very close to the top of the table. Then, at the end of the season, we'll see what happens."

Conte's arrival at Spurs has brought dramatic improvements in their attacking play. In their last two outings, Spurs registered 4-0 and 5-0 wins over Leeds United and Everton, and are looking to net at least four goals in three consecutive league games for the first time since February 2004.

Meanwhile, Conte was again asked about the situation facing his former club Chelsea, whose owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the British government in response to Russia's war on Ukraine.

The Italian, however, suggested that players and coaches cannot be held responsible for the actions of their owners, only for their own performances.

"In every situation, you have to take responsibility," the 52-year-old said. "When you work you have to take responsibility.

"I think this is a type of problem. The job is a player and for me my job is a coach. This question could be also for other sports, not only for football. 

"The moment the club decides to put you in charge, me as a coach or as a player, the most important thing is to take responsibility to give your best for the club."

Conte, who lifted the Premier League and the FA Cup during his two-year spell at Stamford Bridge, was also keen to stress that the publicity surrounding Chelsea's ownership should not detract from their past successes.

He added: "We are talking about four or five years ago. We're talking about a fantastic club, with an owner that made this club big.

"Don't forget that in the period he was the owner, Chelsea won everything, but it was for Chelsea. 

"I think also we have seen other Russian owners in other teams. Not only in football but in many sports."

British property developer Nick Candy is still interested in buying Chelsea despite owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned.

The billionaire – a lifelong Blues fan – announced on Wednesday he is looking to join up with another party or consortium to make a bid to purchase the club.

However, there is now uncertainty around the club's sale after the United Kingdom government froze long-serving owner Abramovich's assets on Thursday.

Abramovich, who was reportedly looking for £3billion to sell the club, is one of seven Russian oligarchs to have been sanctioned due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea cannot sell tickets, buy or sell players, or offer new contracts as part of the sanctions.

They can continue trading as a football club, though, and an application to the UK government to sell the club can be made as long as Abramovich does not make any money.

And a spokesperson for Candy has confirmed the 49-year-old’s continued interest in the Premier League giants.

"We are examining the details of yesterday's announcement and we are still interested in making a bid," the statement read. 

"Clearly this is a time of great uncertainty for all Chelsea fans. In our view, no one is the owner of a football club – you are the custodian of it for the fans and the community."

Chelsea put off-field distractions to one side on Thursday by easing past bottom side Norwich City 3-1 to consolidate third place in the Premier League.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sympathises with Chelsea supporters, but agrees with the United Kingdom government's decision to sanction Roman Abramovich.

Long-time Chelsea owner Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs to have his assets frozen on Thursday due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, whose net worth is reported to be in the region of £9.4billion, has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to continue trading – and indeed playing – as a football club, but other hard-hitting sanctions have been put in place.

They include a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches, while the Blues cannot buy or sell players, or offer new contracts.

That leaves Chelsea facing an uncertain future, but Klopp insists the decision taken by authorities is the correct one given the ongoing events in Ukraine.

"Thomas [Tuchel] and I know each other well, but we are not that close to talk about what's been said," Klopp said at a pre-match news conference on Friday.

"We talk about games, yes, but not other moments. Of course, for him, the players and the employers at Chelsea, it's not a situation they are responsible for.

"One man is responsible for that and it's Vladimir Putin. I don't know about Roman Abramovich's role and all these kind of things.

"But over the years you could guess he's pretty close. I think what the British government did is right, to be 100 per cent honest. 

"It's still not cool for the people of Chelsea or the supporters, I get that. But I think the things the government did are right."

Among other major knock-on effects for Chelsea, shirt sponsor Three has asked the club to remove its logos from team shirts and from the club's Stamford Bridge stadium.

It was business as usual for the west London side on Thursday as they saw off bottom club Norwich City 3-1 to consolidate third place in the Premier League.

Speaking after the match, Mason Mount admitted he and his team-mates cannot simply ignore off-the-field events.

"You can't really avoid it, as there's a lot going on," Mount told BBC Sport. "We have to focus on what we do on the pitch. 

"We had a game today and that was the only thing we could focus on. We did that today, so now it's about Sunday. You try not to look too much into it."

Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday in their first game at Stamford Bridge since these developments.

Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the full extent of the off-field chaos engulfing Chelsea is yet to be realised, but he defiantly vowed they will keep competing so long as they have a kit and a bus.

Chelsea beat Norwich City at Carrow Road on Thursday, with their 3-1 win inspired by Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

But earlier in the day it was confirmed by the UK government that club owner Roman Abramovich was among the latest high-profile Russian individuals and entities to be hit with sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who has been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past, was in the process of attempting to sell Chelsea, and the sanctions have put the sale in doubt despite the oligarch claiming the proceeds would have been donated to victims of the war.

While Chelsea were granted a special sporting licence to continue operating as a football club, measures have been imposed upon them including a ban on selling merchandise and tickets to non-season-ticket holders.

Additionally, the first team is not allowed to spend more than £20,000 on away travel, and any income from TV broadcast rights or competition prize money will be frozen.

Shirt sponsor Three has already suspended its agreement with the club while other partners are assessing contracts, and Tuchel realises things may get even worse for the club.

"I didn't see that coming yesterday and I don't know what is coming tomorrow," Tuchel told reporters after the defeat of Norwich.

"The level of impact it has, the news of today is big, in time we don't know how big. We cannot influence it."

Yet the German cut a largely relaxed figure, seemingly at peace with the fact there is nothing he nor his players can do to affect the situation.

For them, it is a case of business as usual, where possible, with Tuchel adamant he remains committed to leading the team.

"I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team," he continued.

"So far we can trust each other and this will not change. As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games, we will be there and will compete hard.

"Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team."

Chelsea are in action again on Sunday as they welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.

Mason Mount explained on Thursday how difficult it had been for Chelsea's players not to be distracted by the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich.

Abramovich was named as one of seven Russian oligarchs to have his assets frozen by the UK government due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with a statement calling the Chelsea owner a "prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch".

A government statement said: "Abramovich is associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades."

The sanctions mean Chelsea's potential sale has been put on hold, with further restrictions banning merchandise sales and tickets to non-season-ticket holders.

This news came on the same day Chelsea travelled to Norwich City for a Premier League match.

Although the Blues won 3-1 to consolidate third place in the table, midfielder Mount – who both scored and assisted goals – acknowledged the precarious situation with Abramovich had been a factor.

"You can't really avoid it, as there's a lot going on," Mount told BBC Sport.

"We have to focus on what we do on the pitch. We had a game today and that was the only thing we could focus on. 

"We did that today, so now it's about Sunday. You try not to look too much into it."

Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday in their first game at Stamford Bridge since these developments.

Thomas Tuchel was grateful to have a match to focus on after Chelsea were plunged into uncertainty on Thursday with the freezing of club owner Roman Abramovich's assets.

Chelsea were in Norfolk to face Norwich City, emerging with a 3-1 win thanks to a professional display led by Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

But earlier in the day it was confirmed by the British government that Abramovich was among the latest high-profile Russian individuals and entities to be hit with sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who has been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past, was in the process of attempting to sell Chelsea, and the sanctions have put the sale in doubt despite the oligarch claiming the proceeds would have been donated to victims of the war.

While Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to continue operating as a football club, measures were placed upon them including a ban on selling merchandise and tickets to non-season-ticket holders.

It cast a shroud over Chelsea heading into Thursday's game, but Tuchel feels the fact they were already preparing for a match helped the squad keep their focus away from off-field matters.

Tuchel told BeIN Sports: "It's big news, huge impact of course, that's why it's big news. It is the subject of all the talk [in the squad].

"Normally we'd talk maybe about the Champions League games from yesterday but nobody talked about that, just the impacts of the new facts around the club.

"In the end it's also nice to enter a fixed schedule approaching a match. So, there's three-hours before [the game] we eat, and then we have a tactical meeting, then a set-piece meeting, then we go to the stadium.

"So, it helps you to focus because we're used to it. In the end we cannot influence it, we did not cause the situation, so we allowed ourselves to enjoy the fact we're here and are privileged to play football in the Premier League, and we wanted to show the best things.

"Sometimes it's good to sweat it out, so we tried to work hard, tried to convince the team to work really hard together and that's sometimes the best thing to get the focus back."

Certain sections of the Chelsea support have criticised the media for asking Tuchel about off-field matters since Abramovich announced he had put the club up for sale.

There have been suggestions Tuchel should only be asked questions relating specifically to the football his team play, but the German appeared relaxed about having to answer about off-field topics.

"I would love to talk about sports but I understand [the media] have a lot of questions," he continued.

"Unfortunately, I don't know much more than you, maybe it's the opposite, but we're also an entertainment and that's why it's like this."

Chelsea's off-field uncertainty was no barrier to victory over struggling Norwich City on Thursday as the Blues left Carrow Road with a 3-1 win.

The British government earlier confirmed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen as part of its sanctions against high-profile Russian individuals and entities in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

These sanctions were imposed just as Abramovich was attempting to sell the club, meaning Chelsea's future is shrouded in uncertainty, but on the pitch at least it was business as usual to a degree.

Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount had Chelsea two up inside 14 minutes, though their second-half performance offered Norwich encouragement with Teemu Pukki pulling one back from the spot.

But a Norwich comeback never materialised as Kai Havertz put the game beyond them late on to keep the Canaries bottom, while Chelsea moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal. 

Considering Norwich's poor defensive record, Chelsea were always going to get chances – they just may not have expected an opener to come so soon.

Feeble Norwich defending saw Chalobah nudge home from close range after Mount's delivery in the third minute, and it was 2-0 not long after.

The excellent Havertz pulled the ball back to Mount on the edge of the box, and following a drop of the shoulder, he exquisitely found the top-right corner.

Chelsea's intensity dropped after the break, though it was not until the 69th minute that their lead looked under threat, as Pukki coolly slid home a penalty after Chalobah handled a cross from lively substitute Milot Rashica.

Norwich's hopes of a late turnaround were dashed in the 90th minute, Havertz picking out the top-left corner with aplomb.

What does it mean? On-pitch stability vital for Tuchel

There is nothing Tuchel and his players can do about the chaos that is encircling Chelsea. All of that will be played out in the boardroom.

But the last thing they need now would be a wobble on the pitch, as they could quickly begin to slide down the Premier League table.

While the next few weeks – at least – look set to be challenging for Chelsea in almost every sense, this was at least a victory that prevented questions of being asked of the players' mentalities.

Mount the instigator

Although he was slightly quieter in the second half, Mount deserves recognition for his all-round performance. The midfielder was a major attacking threat, having an involvement in two of Chelsea goals, while his four shots and five key passes were match highs – only twice before has he set up more chances in a single Premier League game.

Rachica brought hope for Norwich

Norwich were massively improved in the second half, with Havertz's late strike arguably flattering the visitors. Rashica was key to the hosts' showing after the break with a lively display on the left flank, his two key passes the most of any player in yellow – it was also his cross that led to the penalty.

What's next?

Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while Norwich head to out-of-form Leeds United the same day.

Chelsea's shirt sponsor has suspended its deal with the Premier League giants after club owner Roman Abramovich was hit with UK government sanctions.

Three said it had asked Chelsea to remove its logos from team shirts and from the club's Stamford Bridge stadium.

The telecommunications company said the suspension was "the right thing to do". The deal is reportedly worth around £40million per year.

Russian oligarch Abramovich, who also has Israeli and Portuguese citizenship, has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Putin last month ordered an invasion of Ukraine, which has led to death and destruction in that country.

Abramovich was one of seven oligarchs to face sanctions on Thursday, with his assets frozen, a move that has had major knock-on effects for Chelsea.

The Blues have been granted a special sporting licence to be able to continue trading as a football club, but their money-making avenues have been curtailed in many areas.

Now Three has declared its stance, with a spokesperson saying: "In light of the government's recently announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club, including the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice.

"We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately. However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do."

Chelsea announced their tie-up with Three in January 2020, with the deal beginning the following season.

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side were set to face Norwich City on Thursday evening, with the Premier League confirming that game would go ahead.

Antonio Conte has expressed sympathy over the situation at his former club Chelsea after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

Abramovich, who has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin, had his assets frozen on Thursday, with the decision made in the wake of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to be able to continue trading as a football club, but measures have been placed upon them, including a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches.

Tottenham manager Conte spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2016 and 2018, winning the Premier League in his first year and the FA Cup in his second term, before being sacked at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Speaking at a media conference ahead of Spurs' trip to Manchester United at the weekend, the Italian said the situation is a "pity" for the players, the manager and the fans.

"Honestly, I have just listened to this situation," he said. "It's not easy. It's not easy.

"It's a pity also because I was coach in this club, in Chelsea. I enjoyed two seasons [there]. Also, I won two titles. It's a pity to listen to this situation. 

"It's not simple for the players, it's not simple for [head coach] Thomas Tuchel, for the fans, for the whole environment.

"Honestly, I hope that in general that this situation between Russia and Ukraine is going to finish and to find peace, because it's much too important.

"Other situations that are coming from this conflict, I think that it's not right. I hope for the best, for this club, because I worked in this club, I enjoyed the two seasons.

"For sure, I love the team, the club that I worked in the past. Every team that I worked in the past, I hope for the best for them."

The Premier League confirmed on Thursday that Chelsea's game against Norwich City on Thursday evening would go ahead as planned, while the club pledged to work with the UK government to ensure business as usual where possible.

The Premier League confirmed Chelsea's game at Norwich City would go ahead on Thursday despite Blues owner Roman Abramovich being hit with sanctions.

Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the UK government on Thursday. He has had his assets frozen and cannot pursue efforts to sell the London club, with the decision made while Russia continues to invade Ukraine.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to be able to continue trading, but measures have been imposed that include a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches.

The Premier League said in a statement: "Following the UK government's announcement that sanctions have been imposed against Roman Abramovich, the Premier League can confirm tonight's match between Norwich City and Chelsea will go ahead as planned.

"The government has issued an initial licence to enable Chelsea to continue to train, play its fixtures and fulfil its obligations for the rest of the season.

"The league will now work with the club and the government to ensure the season will proceed as planned and in line with the government’s intention."

Chelsea said the club "intend to engage in discussions" with the government, and that they hope to operate "as normal as possible".

"Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government," the club stated.

"By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich. However, the UK government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.

"We will fulfil our men's and women's team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK government regarding the scope of the licence.

"This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the club to operate as normal as possible. We will also be seeking guidance from the UK government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.

"The club will update further when it is appropriate to do so."

Pep Guardiola admits he feels sorry for rival boss Thomas Tuchel after Chelsea were left with an uncertain future by sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.

Manchester City manager Guardiola said he was unclear about the implications of the action brought about by the United Kingdom government, and he was unwilling to delve into what it might mean for European club champions Chelsea.

Long-time Chelsea owner Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs facing new measures after Thursday's announcement, and the impact on Chelsea looks to be significant.

Abramovich, who has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin, has had his assets frozen, with the decision made in the wake of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to be able to continue trading as a football club, but measures have been placed upon the club including a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches.

Guardiola said he did not "know exactly the reason why" the sanction had been imposed, but he understood the consequences for Tuchel and his Chelsea playing squad would be challenging.

"Of course with the position for the manager, for Thomas Tuchel and the players, it's uncomfortable, and I feel sorry for them because they're there to do their job as well as possible," Guardiola said. "For the rest, I don't know, I have to wait."

Chelsea beat City in last year's Champions League final, and they sit third in the Premier League this season, with Guardiola's team in a title battle with Liverpool further up the table.

Speaking in a pre-match news conference ahead of City's trip to Crystal Palace, which does not take place until Monday, Guardiola acknowledged Premier League managers and head coaches are often asked about subjects in which they lack specialist knowledge.

"We are the face of the club, we're here every day, and you ask freely whatever you want, but you have to understand there are subjects we don't know," he said.

"We don't have a one-hour lesson to speak or talk about what you're asking for.

"I always feel confident talking about my club. It was difficult last week talking about the situation for Man United: I don't know, I'm not there. Now the situation with Chelsea is the same.

"I'm empathic enough to put in the position of the manager of Chelsea and the players. It must be an uncomfortable situation, but it was this morning's headlines and I don't know what's going to happen.

"I prefer when I don't have the knowledge or opinion about any subject to wait, and this is what I have to do. I don't want to say something that's uncomfortable for Chelsea or for our club, or whatever."

Guardiola was asked about whether managers and coaches now needed to consider carrying out due diligence on the teams they might join.

"You're right, yeah. It looks like you have to know absolutely everything," Guardiola said.

"Maybe in the next press conference I will have more of a clear opinion. I would like to speak with my CEO about exactly what is the reason why, what happened, and after I can talk more comfortably."