Ticket sales around the match – which starts on Saturday at 6.15 pm – were suddenly in the spotlights last week. Chelsea submitted a request on Tuesday to finish the game behind closed doors, while tickets were sold.
It is the rule in England that at the FA Cup, the proceeds of ticket sales are fairly divided between the two participating clubs. Chelsea are currently not allowed to sell tickets and thus generate income because of the sanctions against club owner Roman Abramovich after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Thus found The Blues that the game would have been better played behind closed doors. A statement that sparked great disbelief at Middlesbrough and was quickly withdrawn.
Fairy tale
The Middlesbrough FA Cup tournament has been a true fairytale so far. The club eliminated Manchester United at Old Trafford on penalties and in the following round, Tottenham Hotspur were defeated after extra time. With Chelsea, the number seven in the Championship will meet a third club of the big six in a row.