The club announced on Friday that Middlesbrough will donate its share of gate receipts from Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
European champions Chelsea are operating under a special license that allows them to complete fixtures despite UK government sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for alleged links with Vladimir Putin.
However, the Blues are not allowed to sell tickets to fans and initially requested that their clash with Middlesbrough be played behind closed doors on grounds of sporting integrity.
That request was quickly withdrawn amid protests from politicians, football officials and Middlesbrough President Steve Gibson.
“The integrity of the game and that of Chelsea are not in the same sentence,” Gibson told The Times.
In a statement, the Championship club said: “On behalf of the people of Middlesbrough and Teesside, Middlesbrough Football Club will donate its portion of gate receipts from the Emirates FA Cup Sixth Round match against Chelsea to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
“Club Member of Parliament Andy McDonald will assist with due diligence to ensure the best delivery and maximum impact.”
Earlier on Friday, Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder said he had little sympathy for Chelsea’s plight.
Abramovich’s investment fueled an unprecedented era of success for the Blues as they won 19 trophies over the past 19 years, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.
Bids to buy Chelsea were to be submitted to US merchant bank Rhine by Friday.
“It will go up for sale and it will be bought by a billionaire, who will likely invest more money in it,” Wilder said.
“They will probably invest in stadiums, invest in facilities, so I don’t think there’s an incredible amount of sympathy on what’s going on in the football world.”
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