Chelsea are preparing the necessary paperwork required to withdraw from the European Super League.
According to multiple sources, the Blues have performed a U-turn on their involvement in the controversial breakaway competition.
The change of heart came as thousands of fans staged a protest outside Stamford Bridge, with the Chelsea team bus prevented from entering the ground by a blockade.
Club legend Petr Cech was forced to confront supporters in a bid to allow the bus into the ground ahead of the Premier League encounter with Brighton on Tuesday night.
The decision was immediately welcomed by Gary Neville, who tweeted a video of dominoes falling and wrote "Here they go," outlining his hope that Chelsea would be the first of many clubs to withdraw.
Jamie Carragher echoed Neville's comments after the pair issued a rallying cry to fans to voice their opposition.
Carragher wrote: "This #SuperLeague is now finished, as I said last night once one goes they are done. The rest of you scavengers just hurry up & do the inevitable. #powertothepeople."
It is understood Roman Abramovich decided Chelsea could no longer go through with their plans to join the European Super League.
The Blues owner instructed club chiefs to begin signing off the necessary paperwork to withdraw from the proposed 20-team competition.
It was reported on Tuesday morning that up to two of the Premier League's 'Big Six' clubs were having doubts over their involvement in the European Super League.
Politicians and football's governing bodies have made it clear they will do all in their power to stop the European Super League being formed.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin outlined his intention to ban ESL players from international duty, while the government and Prince William are among other outspoken critics of the competition.
"The players that play in the Super League will be banned from playing in the World Cup and Euros," said Ceferin. "We will take all the sanctions that we can."
It remains to be seen what sort of punishments will be imposed on Chelsea on their return to UEFA competitions, or whether they will be welcomed back at all.
Thomas Tuchel's side are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, but UEFA were believed to be ready to throw them out of the competition this week.
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