The Ricketts family have made the shortlist in the bid to buy Chelsea. Raine Group finally informed the Chicago Cubs owners early on Friday afternoon New York time. The Ricketts were the third consortium to receive official confirmation of making the shortlist to buy the Blues, after the Todd Boehly bid and a rival offer led by Sir Martin Broughton. The Athletic is reporting there has been a fourth bid shortlisted, from Stephen Pagluica, owner of NBA team the Boston Celtics and Serie A side Atalanta.
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.
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