Chelsea’s prospective new owner Todd Boehly has been spotted in the stands watching the Blues’ game against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
Boehly has signed an agreement with Chelsea to complete a takeover from Roman Abramovich. The American billionaire, who is co-owner of baseball team LA Dodgers, finalised terms on Friday to buy the club along with his partners Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.
Following the major developments in the deal, Boehly was photographed inside Stamford Bridge for the first time. He was shown watching from the stands, in Abramovich’s usual seat, wearing dark sunglasses as Thomas Tuchel’s side hosted Wolves in their 3pm Premier League kick-off.
Boehly’s presence is another sign that the takeover is nearing its completion, although there are some steps still to be taken. The sale process has been complicated by the sanctions placed on Abramovich by the UK government because of the Russian oligarch’s connections to Vladimir Putin.
Government ministers and the Premier League have to approve of the takeover. Once satisfied, the government will issue a licence enabling the sale and the change of ownership, with the funds from Boehly’s consortium going into a frozen bank account.
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjoerg Wyss, to acquire the Club,” the club said in a statement.
“Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the Club and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.”
Boehly’s group are understood to be keen to redevelop Stamford Bridge. The Blues’ home stadium only has a 40,000 capacity at the moment – much smaller than their rivals. The freehold for Stamford Bridge is owned by the Chelsea Pitch Owners, not the club itself, which has complicated previous plans to expand the capacity of the stadium.
