The three groups in the running to take over Chelsea Football Club from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich have been asked to provide guarantees that they will remain in control for a decade by the merchant bank overseeing the sale.
As first reported by Sky News, Raine Group have communicated to the shortlisted consortia that the majority shareholder from the preferred bid will retain ownership until at least 2032 to protect the club from further upheaval. It is expected to be a legally binding condition of the club's sale.
Raine and the club's board, primarily chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia, have been evaluating the three final bids since a March 14 deadline. One source close to a bid told Mirror Football last week that a decision was expected to be communicated early this week.
