Chelsea

LONDON — Chelsea has asked for Saturday's FA Cup quarterfinal game at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors for "sporting integrity" because they are unable to sell tickets due to restrictions imposed by a British government licence.

Chelsea, who have made the request to the FA board, are dealing with government restrictions on their operations after sanctions were imposed on their Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Middlesbrough ticket update.

Sam Kerr struck in stoppage time to keep alive Chelsea's Women's Super League title hopes as they snatched a 1-0 win on Sunday over a dogged Aston Villa side, but Arsenal remain top after a 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Kerr latched on to a long ball from keeper Zećira Mušović and fired home in the second minute of added time before wheeling away and taking off her shirt in celebration as second-placed Chelsea kept up the pressure on Arsenal.

Chelsea played its first home match since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government and disqualified by the Premier League — leaving the club in limbo and immediately needing a new owner — on Sunday, and it was fittingly against Newcastle, which has been steadily climbing the table since its own new owners flexed their financial might in the January window.

European soccer champions Chelsea are now effectively controlled by the British government after sanctions were imposed against Russian owner Roman Abramovich on Thursday.

Abramovich, who had been under scrutiny following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had announced he was selling the Premier League club last week.

Christian Pulisic had a beautiful assist and a goal against Burnley on Saturday during Chelsea’s comfortable 4-0 victory. The Blues had a muted first half that ended goalless, however a flash flood of three Chelsea goals in seven minutes at the start of the second half saw the game slip away from Burnley. This perfect Pulisic assist vs Burnley made the score 2-0.

Pulisic Assist vs Burnley

Pulisic lofts a perfect ball to the back post for Kai Havertz to head home! Chelsea now have 2-0 lead.

BURNLEY — Chelsea fans chanted the name of their Russian owner Roman Abramovich during a minute's applause in solidarity with Ukraine on Saturday.

There have been gestures of support for Ukraine before kick-off at Premier League games, and Burnley's ground featured the slogan "Football Stands Together" and the Ukrainian flag on a large screen.

Ex-Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko called on Thursday for more aid and other measures in support of victims of the Russian invasion of his homeland.

Widely regarded as his country's greatest ever player, Shevchenko said global soccer authorities had done the right thing in banning Russia from international competitions, though the sport was currently the last thing on his mind.

Chelsea defeated Championship side Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round 3-2 on Wednesday. The Blues had quite an interesting four-hour span as the players saw Roman Abramovich announce plans to sell the club, Luton Town give Chelsea a real scare and Mason Mount kick the ball on a roof.