The group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital could be bound by a number of conditions ahead of a £4billion takeover of the Blues. Sky News report that discussions are underway over clauses that would see the new owners of Chelsea unable to profit by paying dividends or management fees for a decade.
Manchester United has seen controversy over the Glazers benefitting from such actions in the aftermath of their takeover in 2005, despite the debt placed on the Red Devils. Boehly's consortium were deemed the preferred bidder by Raine Group a week ago, and entered a period of exclusivity as a result with the suggestion an agreement could be made as soon as Friday.
It is now said as part of negotiations that Chelsea's advisers would hope to see measures that would prohibit any sale of shares until 2032 and limits on the debt that could be taken on, in addition to those around dividends. All prospective bidders also had to commit to a minimum investment of £1billion in the stadium, academy and women's team.
READ MORE: Chelsea sale: What Roman Abramovich's statement means now for Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital
Earlier this week the takeover process was said to have hit a problem with reports suggesting that Roman Abramovich hoped to have his £1.6billion loan repaid. The sanctioned Chelsea owner sternly rejected this in a statement made by his spokesperson. The refuted the claim suggesting Abramovich "has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him – such suggestions are entirely false – as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the club last minute."
Boehly's consortium appears to have beaten similar bids led by Steve Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton, with the trio progressing through the process from the start. However, any agreement with Boehly was thrown into doubt last week when Sir Jim Ratcliffe, current owner of Ligue 1 side Nice, announced he had submitted a £4billion bid for the Blues.
But as things stand, Boehly's period of exclusivity is continuing with the LA Dodgers minority owner eager to sign a first sale agreement on Friday, May 6. Roman Abramovich is also seemingly happy to progress as he seeks government approval for the deal.
