Chelsea credit cards frozen by Barclays following Abramovich sanctions - sources

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3:06 PM ET

According to sources, the club's ability to operate on a day-to-day basis was complicated on Friday after the credit cards were temporarily frozen.

The Times reported that the club's assets were frozen on Thursday due to UK government sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.

The Blues have been given a licence to continue fulfilling fixture and paying staff but are relying on cash reserves to function, with various revenue streams halted as part of the government action on Abramovich because of his alleged ties with Russia President Vladimir Putin.

According to sources, the limitations on spending, which include a cap on travel to away matches and a limit on the cost of staging home games, have led to the suspension of the club.

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Senior figures at the club hope that their corporate credit cards will be unblocked in the coming days in order to allow greater financial freedom, as the club remain in dialogue with the government over easing some of the restrictions.

There is concern that if sanctions continue for a long time, the club will not be able to generate enough money to meet its obligations.

The club had a cash balance of just 17 million dollars in their latest accounts, which were published in December.

If the government doesn't make certain financial concessions, the club could technically become insolvent in the next few weeks, which could lead to a nine-point deduction.

Interested parties are expected to be kept informed of how a bid could proceed with the government's involvement.

Any sale of the club will need approval from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport because it is an asset frozen by the government.

With the current situation, a quick, cut-price sale is the most viable option for all parties.

The picture shows the gravity of the situation. There will be no matchday programme sales for the game.

The club are still to decide what to wear on the front of their kit after shirt sponsor Three temporarily suspended their agreement with the club on Thursday.

The club shop is closed, the hotel at the Bridge can't take bookings until further notice, and the club can't sell tickets outside of those already sold to season ticket holders and individual match ticket holders.

There is still a hope that the club can find a way to fill the bridge by giving away money, but this would not help the club with its finances.

The trip to Lille for the second leg of the last-16 will not have to be altered as the trip had already been paid for.