Chelsea FC is being sold: the British government agrees to the takeover by a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly. The money must not benefit the previous owner Roman Abramovich, instead Ukrainian war victims should be supported.
The British government has approved the takeover of English first division football club Chelsea by a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly. The price for the London club around coach Thomas Tuchel and the DFB internationals Timo Werner and Kai Havertz is 4.25 billion pounds (almost five billion euros). The government emphasized that it was ensured that the money would not benefit the previous owner, Roman Abramovich. Rather, the aim is to support war victims in Ukraine.
The Russian oligarch had been sanctioned for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Premier League had previously approved the deal.
“Last night the UK Government reached a position where we can issue a license allowing the sale of Chelsea Football Club,” the government statement said. “Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the government has worked hard to ensure that Chelsea Football Club can continue to play football. However, we have always understood that the long-term future of the club can only be secured under new ownership.”
The club’s future had been uncertain because of the sanctions against Abramovich. Government and league approval was needed because the Russian oligarch’s assets had been frozen.
Behind the consortium of buyers are the American Boehly, who is also a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, the Swiss multi-billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and US businessman Mark Walter. The largest stake in the London club is likely to be held by US investor Clearlake Capital in the future.
