Roman Abramovich makes ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to sell Chelsea
While the sale of Chelsea continues the club have been given a boost after the UK government amended its special operating license. The alteration will now allow Chelsea to sell tickets to away matches, cup games and women’s fixtures provided the club does not receive any revenue.
This means Chelsea fans will be able to attend the club’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid and FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace at Wembley. The Premier League have said the revenue generated by ticket sales, which would normally have gone to the club, will be donated to war victims in Ukraine.
The government will now also allow Chelsea to receive £30million from its parent company, Fordstam, to allow the club to remain afloat following the sanctioning of owner Roman Abramovich and while the Premier League side is sold.
Raine Group, who are overseeing the process of selling Chelsea, are compiling a shortlist of three preferred offers and although the various interested parties had expected to receive word on whether they had made the cut early this week, the complexity of the deal and information involved has meant more time is needed.
Todd Boehly and Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family are among the frontrunners to take over – although a supporters group have expressed their distaste at the Ricketts bid.
Follow all the latest Chelsea takeover news below:
Eden Hazard has ‘doubts’ over Real Madrid future amid Chelsea takeover uncertainty
Eden Hazard’s latest injury setback alongside the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s impending takeover could see him resist a move away this summer.
SPORT claim the Belgian now has “doubts” about his next move with a return to the Blues a preferred option but now increasingly uncertain.
Newcastle and Arsenal have been linked should he move this summer and Chelsea reject the chance or fail to put together an offer satisfactory for Los Blancos.
Jack Rathborn25 March 2022 16:03
Chelsea takeover latest: Nick Candy adds Elliott Management to consortium
Hedge fund Elliott Management, which owns Italian side AC Milan, has joined the Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium as a “minor investor” in their bid for Chelsea.
Candy has been urged to join up with one of the preferred bidders if his consortium is to be involved in the new ownership group.
Jack Rathborn25 March 2022 15:40
Chelsea bids fall short of final shortlist
- Saudi Media Group
- Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets
- London-based global investment firm Centricus/co-founder Nizar Al-Bassam and CEO Garth Ritchie
Jack Rathborn25 March 2022 15:33
Ricketts family ‘grateful that the door is still open’ after meeting Chelsea supporters
Ricketts family statement: “We have listened to all of your feedback – including from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – and are grateful that the door is still open for us to demonstrate our commitment to working with fans to protect the club’s heritage.”
Jack Rathborn25 March 2022 15:22
Chelsea latest: Government must upgrade license when bid accepted to complete takeover
Chelsea were handed a special licence once Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government on 10 March.
That license allows Chelsea’s 800 staff to be paid with existing season ticket holders to attend matches home Premier League matches.
When the club has a viable bidder, they will need to upgrade their licence to push through the sale.
Abramovich values Chelsea at £3bn having bought the club for £140m in 2003 and lending the Blues £1.5bn in that time, though the Russian has stated he will not ask for any loans to be repaid.
Jack Rathborn25 March 2022 14:45
Hakim Ziyech thriving at Chelsea after adjusting to Thomas Tuchel’s system
Hakim Ziyech claims he has finally adjusted to Thomas Tuchel’s preferred system.
The former…
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