Chelsea call for Middlesbrough FA Cup tie to be played behind-closed-doors

Chelsea have called for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final tie at Middlesbrough to be played behind-closed-doors.

The Premier League club have been in discussions with the government to allow them to sell tickets to supporters, something which is prohibited under the sanctions which were imposed on the club last Thursday.

However, having been denied that request, Chelsea have now taken to requesting that the match at the Riverside Stadium be played without a crowd.

Chelsea are said to want to retain "sporting integrity", something which they do not feel would be possible if the game is predominantly played in front of home supporters.

A statement read: "We are disappointed to announce we will not be able to sell tickets for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.

"Despite engaging in extensive discussions with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), the deadline to purchase away tickets has passed without appropriate amendments being made to the Government licence which would allow a full allocation of Chelsea supporters to attend. Executives at Middlesbrough had been kind enough to extend their deadline for ticket sales and stadium allocation from 7.30pm last night until 9.30am this morning.

"It is important for the competition that the match against Middlesbrough goes ahead, however it is with extreme reluctance that we are asking the FA board to direct that the game be played behind closed doors for matters of sporting integrity.

"Chelsea FC recognises that such an outcome would have a huge impact on Middlesbrough and its supporters, as well as our own fans who have already bought the limited number of tickets that were sold before the licence was imposed, but we believe this is the fairest way of proceeding in the current circumstances."

Club officials also remain in discussions with the government regarding the quick sale of the club after Roman Abramovich was banned from funding or making a profit from Chelsea.