Chelsea are close to getting approval from the UK government for sale of the club to Todd Boehly. However, in a surprise turn of events, the deal now also needs to get approval from the Portuguese government and the European Union (EU) after Roman Abramovich became a Portuguese citizen.
As per The Telegraph, the billionaire oligarch officially became an EU citizen three years after withdrawing his application for a UK visa amid diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow. The surprise development was previously confirmed by his spokesperson.
Additionally, as per Portuguese newspaper Publico, Abramovich's successful application used a Portuguese law offering naturalisation to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from the Iberian peninsula during the Inquisition 400 years ago.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly and Chelsea set to receive UK Government takeover green light amid deadline
The takeover comes after almost four months since Abramovich put the Blues up for sale in the wake of sanctions placed upon him by the government after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The ownership group includes Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.
Although the club will eagerly be waiting Portugal and the EU's approval, positively, Chelsea look set to finally overcome the barrier set by the UK government. The sale is set to be approved by UK leaders in the next 24 hours.
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, approval by the Portuguese government "is not considered a significant or time-consuming hurdle". Blues fans will be glad to know that the uncertainty surrounding the club is nearly over. Thus, they will be able to move forward once again sooner rather than later.
