Todd Boehly’s consortium were spotted at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Centre this week as they look to secure a historic takeover this month from outgoing Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
The American billionaire is leading one of four
remaining bidders for the Stamford Bridge side – all of whom are thought to
have had tours as the process enters the final stages.
Although Boehly was not among those from the
group to have taken part in the visit to the Surrey base, a group of 20
representatives in suits will have been pushing his case with the Ricketts
family thought to have already taken part in a trip of their own.
In images posted by The Sun, the group of Boehly’s associates
can be seen on a tour of the Cobham training base that has been used by Chelsea
since 2005, despite it not being officially opened until 2007.
Chelsea are currently operating under a special licence issued
by the government after they had announced sanctions on Abramovich amid
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
New York-based investment bank Raine Group are leading the
search for a new owner of the Blues, a sale in which Abramovich won’t be
receiving any money whatsoever.
Boehly is thought to be worth in the region of £4.7bn, with
Wyss, who doesn’t have any previous sporting ventures on his CV having funds of
around £3.8bn.
Boehly and Wyss are said to have upped their offer last month in
an attempt to get a deal over the line ahead of rival bidders, with Chelsea
fans looking to move forward.
Abramovich had said in March: “The sale of the club will not be
fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to
be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure
passion for the game and club.
“Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable
foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation
will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.
“This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and
immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of
recovery.”
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