Chelsea sale: UK government clarifies position on bidders to take over club
The UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have disputed claims that they are happy with the four remaining contenders hoping to buy Chelsea, stating that they have no role in selecting a preferred bidder to buy the club.
Groups led by Todd Boehly, the Ricketts family, Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca are in contention to take over the club from Roman Abramovich.
The preferred bidder is expected to emerge this week.
Making their stance known, a spokesperson for DCMS stated that the only role the government will play in the bidding process is in amending the special licence that Chelsea are currently operating under due to the sanctions placed on Abramovich, to authorise the sale of the club.
The licence has hampered football business at Stamford Bridge, placing limits on the money they can spend on travelling to and hosting games, selling merchandise, including selling tickets to home fans for Premier League games, and preventing any new contracts or transfers being agreed.
US-based Raine Group have been tasked with facilitating Chelsea’s sale with the new deadline for final offers reported to be on April 14.
After a preferred bidder has been chosen, the proposed takeover will be presented to the government on April 18th with the hope of the licence being amended. The department made it clear they have no role in choosing a successful bidder.
Earlier reports had stated that the government were happy with all four remaining bidders and would be prepared to push through the sale of the club to any of the remaining parties. The government has however refuted the report.
A spokesperson said: “PA’s reporting is inaccurate and wrong. The Government has no role in establishing a preferred bidder for Chelsea Football Club. Assessments of owners and due diligence are a matter for the club and the Premier League, not the government. Our role is to consider an application for an amended licence that authorises a sale of the club when it comes forward with a preferred bidder.”
As revealed by football.london, the government is unlikely to impose any hard conditions apart from ensuring Roman Abramovich does not receive any money from a sale.
