Big investor in the Ricketts's takeover bid to buy Chelsea Ken Griffin was reportedly heavily involved in the decision for the Chicago Cubs' owners to withdraw their bid one day after the latest deadline had passed by in the process.
Tom Ricketts and co have faced much hostility in person and on social media from fans and pundits alike for past comments made by certain members, and even Thomas Tuchel had admitted before the Brentford that they had to face the consequences of their actions. However, after many online protests and even one in person that took place before the west London derby against Brentford, it seemed as though they were going to continue on with their bid as Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert had joined forces with the Ricketts family in this bid.
Even Tuchel wasn't expecting any major news when he was asked about what he knew in his pre-match Crystal Palace press conference early on Friday afternoon. "To be honest, no. It is still a process. I heard talks are still ongoing with the government. I am still not involved, which I am glad about, I have to say, because we have a lot to focus on here," he said at Cobham.
READ MORE: Ricketts Family withdraw bid for Chelsea as takeover saga takes huge twist
"That is where our focus goes. Like I said with the first answer, I hope things will be sorted out as soon as possible to have clarity, but I understand it is not that easy." Fast forward a few hours and out of the blue, the Chicago Cubs owners have released a statement to explain that they have pulled out of the running. The statement read: "The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert group has decided, after careful consideration, not to submit a final bid for Chelsea FC. In the process of finalising the proposal, it became increasingly clear that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics around the sales process.
"We have great admiration for Chelsea FC and its fans and we wish the new owners well." It is a development that will delight a large number of Chelsea fans who will be grateful for a much needed boost ahead of Crystal Palace FA Cup semi-final this weekend after a valiant effort midweek in Madrid came to avail in the end. This development really had come out of the blue as Griffin and Gilbert recently came out to re-establish the intentions of their bid with a breakdown of the finances and people involved.
“I am thrilled to come together with my long-time friends and partners, the Ricketts Family and Dan Gilbert, who have built legendary championship teams," Griffin announced to the Mirror. "All of us love to compete and, even more, we love to win. Our group will work closely together to put the most competitive team on the pitch every year. If selected, we will validate the trust placed in us to continue Chelsea’s winning tradition while delivering a terrific game day experience for the fans.” Gilbert then followed suit with his own statement: "We are excited to join the Ricketts Family and Ken Griffin for their bid to acquire Chelsea, one of the most admired football clubs and professional sports teams in the world.
“We have great respect and deep admiration for the long and winning tradition of Chelsea and their millions of fans across the world. Rock Entertainment Group will approach the bid for Chelsea with the same philosophy as we operate our other professional sports teams. [With] an open mind and a listening ear to the fanbase, ample investment and an unwavering commitment to both winning on the pitch and serving the community."
A lot must have changed in such a short space of time for views to change this much and Griffin's change of tune. According to CBS' Ben Jacobs: "Griffin was vocal in wanting to pull out of the Ricketts Family Investment Group's bid for Chelsea . There were issues over the share split."
Chelsea fans- What do you make of this Ken Griffin and Ricketts family takeover update? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
