Ministers fear Chelsea sale could ‘ fall apart’
MINISTERS are worried a £ 4.25 billion deal to buy Chelsea may be at risk of ‘ falling apart’ due to a lack of consensus with the club over the proceeds of any sale, the BBC has learned.
According to a UK government insider, there is now ‘ alarm’ in Whitehall that the takeover of the European champions could be ‘ timed out’ if deadlines are not met.
Chelsea have agreed terms on a deal with a privateequity funded consortium led by U. S. investor, Todd Boehly, co- owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president, Vladimir Putin, following the invasion of Ukraine.
However, a senior Whitehall source revealed there was now “serious concern” that the oligarch was “willing to let Chelsea go under” over an alleged “refusal to agree to a sale structure that gives ministers confidence that proceeds would go to a good cause.”
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which expires on May 31 and any takeover requires the approval of ministers and the English football authorities.
Abramovich has said he has not asked for a £ 1.6 billion loan to Chelsea to be repaid when the club is sold. Earlier this month a spokesperson for the billionaire confirmed he “remains committed” to making sure the proceeds from the sale “go to good causes”.