FA responds to Chelsea’s request to play Middlesbrough behind close doors

The FA have responded to Chelsea’s request to have their quarter-final tie with Middlesbrough played behind closed doors.

According to the statement released by the football body, the request was not accepted.

The decision was taken after the FA had constructive talks with the Blues, adding that they have now agreed to remove their initial request.

The English football’s governing body said this in a statement on Tuesday evening.

The statement read: “After constructive talks between the FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to remove their request for the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.

“The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League and the Government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge while ensuring sanctions are respected.”

Chelsea had earlier requested the match to be played behind closed doors following their sanction from the UK government over their link with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.