Lord Sebastian Coe has joined Sir Martin Broughton's consortium bid to buy Chelsea.
The 2012 London Olympics chief has thrown his weight behind former Liverpool chairman Broughton's attempt to take control of the Blues. Coe would take a seat on Chelsea's board should Broughton be successful in his candidacy to buy the Stamford Bridge club, the PA news agency understands.
The 65-year-old's powerhouse sports administration status as World Athletics president, not to mention his current role as a Chelsea Foundation trustee, add serious clout to Broughton's candidacy for the Blues. Coe hailed Broughton as the perfect person to take the Chelsea helm when current owner Roman Abramovich departs.
"I am certain that Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter," Coe told the PA news agency. "He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.
"He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club's future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies. But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder. I know that this bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first."
Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, amid Vladimir Putin ’s continued invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old was sanctioned by the Government last week, with all his UK assets frozen. Chelsea have been allowed to keep operating but under a stringent Downing Street licence.
British athletics great Coe won 1500m gold at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics in a glittering track career, before excelling in sports administration. Coe was an ambassador for London’s 2012 Olympics bid and then a member of the board for the bid company.
Broughton ran British American Tobacco before chairing British Airways. The high-profile British business figure now chairs private investment firm Sports Investment Partners.
Broughton helped steer Liverpool to the Reds' current period of prosperity when he took the chairmanship on a short-term basis in 2010. The accomplished businessman helped user in current Anfield owners Tom Werner’s Fenway Sports Group.
The 74-year-old former British Airways chairman revealed his delight at bringing Chelsea fan Coe on board for his bid to buy the Blues. "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Lord Coe to our bid. His reputation speaks for itself, and he will bring phenomenal insight, leadership and sporting knowledge to Chelsea Football Club," said Broughton.
