London : In response to Chelsea's request for their FA Cup match with Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors, the Football Association has convened an urgent meeting on Wednesday.
Although Chelsea had lobbied hard in order to be able to sell away tickets for Middlesbrough's FA Cup tie, the government disallowed it.
Chelsea's own fans were denied access to tickets, leading the football body to convene an urgent meeting.
To ensure sporting integrity, Chelsea appealed to the FA Board for the game to be played behind closed doors with no fans at all.
"We are aware of Chelsea FC's request to play their Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final tie against Middlesbrough FC behind closed doors. The matter will be discussed at the Professional Game Board meeting tomorrow," an FA spokesperson was quoted as saying by inews.co.uk.
Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, was answering questions at a DCMS hearing as yet another extraordinary day unfolded in the history of Chelsea Football Club. Chelsea made their statement and was immediately grilled for it.
In response, he stated he could not openly comment on Middlesbrough's request as he had only just heard about it as he walked into the hearing.
"What they're referring to is [for] any football match - and it's an issue raised by Uefa - normally you have both sets of fans and their argument is only one set of fans has an effect on sporting integrity," he added.