Roman Abramovich and Chelsea sanctions could give Everton boost as UK government confirm decision

Everton's survival bid could be handed a boost after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions by the UK government.

The Russian oligarch has had his assets frozen in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Background

Abramovich has been identified as a ‘pro-Kremlin oligarch’ by a government document published and he's had a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past.

It means that Abramovich cannot sell or invest in Chelsea, having put the club up for sale last week.

In the short term, the Stamford Bridge club have been a special licence to continue operating - yet with restrictions.

Only season-ticket holders can attend matches, with no tickets sales or merchandise allowed to be sold.

Player signings are banned and new contracts cannot be given out.

How does it impact Everton?

Everton are in a Premier League relegation fight and currently sit just one place and one point above the drop zone.

The Toffees need to pick up every point possible to help their survival bid.

Chelsea, who are third in the table, travel to Goodison Park on Saturday 30 April.

However, the London outfit - who still have an outside chance of winning the title - may have to do so without their travelling supporters.

Chelsea have announced that tickets for their FA Cup quarter-final away to Middlesbrough on Saturday 19 March that were due on sale today are currently not available.

A club statement said: “Tickets for the Middlesbrough away FA Cup match will not go on sale today as planned.

“Further updates will follow in due course.”

There is the possibility that tickets could be gifted away rather than sold, though.