Chelsea are in turmoil after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK over his links to Vladimir Putin, plunging the club's future into doubt.
The dramatic news on Thursday effectively means the Russian-born billionaire oligarch can no longer press ahead with selling the club.
However, Chelsea can request special dispensation, which would be considered if the Government views a change of ownership in the best interests of the club, provided it does not benefit Abramovich.
In that scenario, it is likely that the Government would take control of the sale and the proceeds would be frozen or go into a charitable fund, possibly for the war victims in Ukraine.