Chelsea have officially withdrawn their request for the upcoming FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough to be done behind closed doors.

The Blues are set to face the Championship side this Saturday in the quarter-finals, and the club had put in an official request for that match to be done without any fans.

Away supporters are unable to buy tickets for the match due to sanctions that have been placed on the team, and Chelsea wanted to retain "sporting integrity" by having no Boro fans either, but a new statement by The FA has revealed they have pulled back.

"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, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected."

Club officials are also in conversations with the government about the sale of the club, with the deadline for bids being set for this Friday. body check tags ::