Prospective buyers have not been put off buying Chelsea despite the imposing of sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.
The Russian oligarch had his assets frozen by the UK government on Thursday morning, putting the brakes on any potential sale to billionaire buyers willing to discuss a near £3bn deal.
Chelsea are unable to sell any tickets for upcoming matches - only season ticket holders and those who have already purchased are able to attend - and they are barred from any transfer activity, be it incomings, outgoings or contract renewals. They are also unable to sell any merchandise under the current measures.
But a Telegraph Sport report has detailed that a sale of the club could still go through, providing special dispensation is given to the Government that would effectively hand them the reins of any dealings.
Abramovich would not be able to financially benefit in any way, shape or form, with a new owner potentially allowed to assume control providing it is in the best interests of Chelsea. Any proceeds would likely go to a charity fund set up by the Government, rather than one put in place by Abramovich - though he'd still need to agree.
A swathe of billionaires have shown interest in buying Chelsea ever since Abramovich publicly announced his intention to sell, and the Telegraph's report further notes that prospective buyers remain interested in taking over despite the latest developments.
Todd Boehly, part owner of baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers, and Swiss investor Hansjorg Wyss are among those keen to assume control in West London, while property developer Nick Candy was mooted as a potential new owner on Wednesday.
Newcastle director Jamie Reuben, 90min understands, is another man keen to explore taking over, and there's also been interest buying Chelsea from New York Jets owner Robert 'Woody' Johnson, as well as a Saudi Media consortium and Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak.
Source : 90min