The UK Times says that Chelsea's financial accounts have been frozen following the UK government's censure of owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues have been granted a special licence to conduct football-related activities, but the club's anticipated sale has been placed on hold.
The special licence will expire on May 31, 2022, but HM Treasury reserves the right to amend, revoke, or suspend it at any moment.
The club's bank accounts, however, have been frozen, resulting in 'financial stagnation'.
Despite the fact that the licence permits the continuation of Chelsea's day-to-day operations, numerous of the club's corporate accounts, including credit cards, have been frozen.
This is because banks are 'risk averse.'
"The licence allows the club to continue operating on a day-to-day basis, but the banks do not have the risk appetite for it," a source said.
"They've placed a hold on a number of business credit cards. It significantly increases the club's pressure.