A spokesperson for The Ricketts Family have stated that they are not racist or Islamophobic as the #NoToRicketts campaign continues gaining traction among Chelsea fans. With bids for club now in and being dealt with by the Raine Group, all parties are anxiously and eagerly anticipating the final decision which could still be some way off yet.
The likes of Todd Boehly's consortium, the Ricketts family's collaboration with Ken Griffin, and Nick Candy are some of the so called front runners in the race. But there are also outliers such as the Saudi Media group who stand a chance at winning the bid.
Whilst the Raine Group prepare for the next stage of the takeover process, the interested parties are now planning on how to best integrate themselves into the club if they are to be the chosen new owner. The Ricketts family have received some opposition from sections of support on social media, especially after historical emails sent by Joe Ricketts emerged last week.
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To try and and quash some of these fears and criticisms, the Evening Standard state that members of the family are planning on flying to London in a bid to convince Chelsea supporters they can lead the club to a bright future. The group want to meet with Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC, and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.
A statement released by head of Chelsea's Chicago Supporters' Club had piled pressure onto the shoulders of the American Family, giving a scathing review of their time as Chicago Cubs owners and their political ties.
"As the Head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters' Club, and the Chelsea Fans’ Forum Overseas Representative, I’ve had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea," Brian Wolff wrote. "I can report the vast majority of opinion has been of universal disdain.
"The Ricketts’ political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with 19 years of fantastic work done by the club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a living wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities. Their ownership of Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the club’s success on the pitch, and also the continued existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge at our forever home.
“On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge [Raine Group and the UK government] to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important, the investment in supporters and the values we hold dear.”
Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Paul Canoville (the club's first ever black player) tweeted: "So I’ve seen and heard enough. I’m backing ChelseaSTrust and saying a big fat anti racism NO to the Ricketts bid!! Please can you stop even mentioning it SkySportsNews GregHands #NoToRicketts."
This pressure has led to a spokesperson needing to clarify the position of the Cubs' owners. The family are trying to get some fans back on their side ahead of the shortlist of bids being released.
Their statement read: "Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms. Racism and Islamophobia have no place whatsoever in our society. We have developed deep and abiding partnerships with all the Muslim community in Chicago, as well as with all communities of colour.
"Respect for diversity and inclusion are central to our family's values. If we prevail in our bid for Chelsea, we commit to the Club and to the fans that we will actively promote these values."
