The Portuguese government have approved Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly.

Russian billionaire Abramovich also has Portuguese citizenship, making their government's official approval a crucial and necessary hurdle to be cleared before the takeover can proceed.

Chelsea are 'imminently' expected to make an announcement on their £4.25billion takeover after the Portuguese government authorised Abramovich's sale of the club.

Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) announced on Thursday they have formally given the green light to Todd Boehly's takeover of the Blues.

An MNE statement said: "The two Competent National Authorities – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance – gave the green light to the request received from Roman Abramovich for a humanitarian waiver, allowing the English club to be transacted."

The decision "follows the guarantee given by the British authorities that the proceeds from the sale will be used for humanitarian purposes, not directly or indirectly benefiting the owner of the club, which is on the European Union sanctions list".

They added that the European Commission have also approved the move.