The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) has set out five demands for the club's future owner – or ownership group – that it believes should be included in negotiations for the purchase of the Blues.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Roman Abramovich intends to sell Chelsea after 19 years as owner. The Russian released a statement in which he claimed that a sale was in the best interest of the club.
Abramovich said that he will not be seeking any repayment loans he has given Chelsea – which are in excess of £1.5billion – and has stated net proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charitable foundation created to benefit victims of the war in Ukraine.
Prospective buyers are putting together official bids for Chelsea and a consortium led by billionaire duo Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly is expected to submit an offer within the next 48 hours.
The CST have acknowledged negotiations for the sale of Chelsea are moving at pace and that the club could have a new owner in a matter of days.
But the Trust feels it is vital any potential owner – or owners – meets them as soon as possible in order to ensure the club is "supporter orientated and sustainable".
The statement continues: "As an immediate gesture of goodwill, negotiations for the purchase of the club must include:
"1. The outstanding balance of the loan from the Club to Chelsea Pitch Owners should be forgiven, so that Stamford Bridge is secured by and for Chelsea’s supporters.
"2. The relevant recommendations of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance report by Tracey Crouch are implemented, namely:
"a. A Golden Share for fans to protect key items of club heritage; b. Consultation with supporters through the creation of a democratically elected shadow board; c. Continued support for Chelsea FC Women
"3. A commitment from prospective owners to meet the CST at the earliest opportunity and to engage in regular, constructive dialogue with supporters on issues of supporter interest, including fair ticketing, and stadium development.
"4. A commitment from prospective owners to continue the legacy of the Chelsea Foundation’s community work.
"5. A guarantee that there will be no attempts to exit existing sporting structures without the engagement of key stakeholders, with supporters at the forefront – this includes the 'European Super League'.
"We call on the Premier League, Football Association and Football Supporters Association to support the above demands.
"This is an important juncture in demonstrating a commitment to improved governance in football, with communities and supporters at its heart. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust calls on all Chelsea supporters to join the CST, endorse the above aims and ensure our voice is heard."
