The Premier League has approved the £4.25billion takeover of Chelsea after the members of the consortium fronted by U.S. billionaire Todd Boehly passed its owners' and directors' test – but the sale of the club by Roman Abramovich remains subject to government approval.
It was at the beginning of March, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, that Abramovich dramatically announced his decision to sell the club after 19 years as owner. Eight days later, he was sanctioned by the UK government, which issued Chelsea a special – and restrictive license – to continue operating day-to-day.
The sale of Chelsea was overseen by the U.S. merchant bank The Raine Group, and a number of potential bidders were whittled down to a four-consortium strong shortlist. It was from there that the Boehly bid, which is supported by investment firm Clearlake Capital, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter, part-chairman of Major League Baseball franchise Los Angeles Dodgers, was eventually selected.
