The Chelsea English announced on Monday that the sale process to American businessman Todd Boehly and his consortium of investors was closed, so the London club is no longer owned by Russian millionaire Roman Abramovich.
“The consortium led by tedd boehylchairman and CEO of Eldridge, and Clearlake Capital Groupe, announced that the transfer of ownership of Chelsea Football club is complete,” wrote the “Blues”, acquired for 5,000 million euros (about 5,390 million dollars).
The consortium also includes Swiss millionaire Hansjörg Wyss and Mark Walter, a Boehly business partner, with whom he shares ownership of the baseball team. Los Angeles Dodgers.
This record operation by a team sports entity had received the green light in recent days from the premier leagueand especially the British government.
The latter had been very meticulous in approving the sale, after having frozen the assets of the Russian oligarch in March, as a result of his alleged links with Vladimir Putinwho ordered the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops.
“The change of ownership opens a new chapter for Chelsea, in the interest of its fans, the club and the wider football community,” a government spokesman said.
He also confirmed that the restrictions imposed on the club in the framework of the sanctions against Russia (on ticket sales, marketing or transfers of players especially) were lifted.
“Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Boehly and Clearlake will have joint control and equal power within the club,” the statement said.
The businessman and the investment fund had promised to invest close to 2,000 million euros on the amount of the sale in the club’s infrastructure, especially to modernize its stadium Stamford Bridge.
“We are honored to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club. We are fully committed -100%-, and for every minute of every game. Our vision as owners is clear: we want the fans to be proud,” said Boehyl, quoted in the statement.
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