Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have confirmed they have held “positive” initial talks with the club’s prospective new owners, as the deadline for bids has now passed.
Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale at the start of the month, days before the UK government implemented sanctions on the Russian national. The Blues are now working under a strict and narrow operating licence, ensuring Abramovich is unable to profit from the club.
An allowance has been made for Chelsea to be sold to new owners, with a takeover required to ensure they can continue to function and fulfil their fixtures. US-based merchant bank Raine Group and the British government are overseeing the sale and as of 9pm on Friday March 18, the deadline for official bids has now passed.
It is believed as many as 10 parties have declared their interest in purchasing the Premier League, in a deal which is likely to top £2billion. From those prospective suitors, the process of whittling down the shortlist to find a preferred buyer is now underway.
And the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) have offered an update on the situation, confirming they have held talks and presented plans to potential new owners. “The CST has played an important role over these difficult weeks,” the statement reads. “Through engaging with MPs and the Government we have ensured the voice of Chelsea fans has been heard at the table when decisions have been made.
“We can also confirm that we have held positive discussions with a number of prospective bidders. We have presented them with detailed plans on how our proposals could be implemented.
“We strongly welcome these proactive discussions and look forward to continuing them in the coming weeks.”
British billionaire Nick Candy has vowed to put fan representation on the board, should his bid be successful, with the suggestion he will introduce a Golden Share. The Golden Share would enable supporters to have the power to veto club matters, which may have prevented the Blues initially joining the European Super League.
“Football clubs are vitally important community and cultural assets, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give football back to the fans and put them at the heart of the operations and strategy of a leading global football club,” the property tycoon explained. “I believe Chelsea has all of the fundamentals to become the most valuable and respected sports club in the world and a force for the greater good in everything it does.”
Former British Airways Chairman Sir Martin Broughton has also lodged a bid and promised to increase the involvement of fans. Broughton told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme: “We are fully on board with the Tracey Crouch report for more fan involvement.
“I have already sat down with the CST and all the ideas that Tracey Crouch put forward are on the table, including – if desired – an investment opportunity.
“They can come and get all the benefits of ownership and veto rights for free, and we’re open to discounts and investments. We’d be interested (in selling shares at a discount) if that’s what the fans want.”
