Chelsea Supporters’ Trust says it welcomes the news that terms have been agreed for Todd Boehly to complete his £4.25billion takeover of the club.
Chelsea confirmed on their official website at 1.37am on Saturday morning that the American’s consortium can buy the club following approval from the British government.
The club said the deal is expected to be finalized by the end of May “subject to all necessary approvals”.
Boehly’s consortium was named the preferred bidder for the Stamford Bridge acquisition by Raine Group, the American bank overseeing the sale. He has worked with Dodgers owner Mark Walter, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, and investment firm Clearlake Capital.
It’s great news for Chelsea fans after a period of uncertainty after sanctions were imposed on the club’s former owner Roman Abramovich over his ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the country’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The CST released a statement on their Twitter page saying they are now “optimistic” about the club’s future.
They wrote: “The CST welcomes the news that terms have been agreed for the consortium led by Todd Boehly to acquire Chelsea FC.
‘We will continue to hold close discussions with the potential owners. We are optimistic about the future of #CFC.
‘We hope that the sale will be completed quickly.’
The LA Dodgers owner was photographed at Stamford Bridge on Friday night, hours before Boehly’s group signed a sales deal.
Darren Lavery, who took the photo, claimed in a tweet that American billionaire Boehly was “more than happy to stand with us and chat with us,” adding that the businessman was a “top, top guy ” may be.
Boehly is expected to be present at Stamford Bridge later on Saturday when Chelsea play Wolves in the Premier League.
He beat out competition from syndicates led by Stephen Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton, and even a late £4.25 billion bid from Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Chelsea’s statement in the early hours of Saturday morning read: “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 take over the club.
“Of the total investment made, £2.5bn will be used to purchase the club’s shares and these proceeds will be deposited into a blocked UK bank account with the intention of giving 100 per cent to charity, as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval is required to transfer proceeds from the frozen UK bank account.
“In addition, the proposed new owners will set aside £1.75bn for further investment in favor of the club. This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the Academy, the Women’s Team and Kingsmeadow, as well as continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation.
‘The sale is expected to close by the end of May, subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. Further details will be announced at this time.’