The group led by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Todd Boehly – part owner of the Lakers have been shortlisted to buy Chelseasources have told ESPN.
New York-based commercial bank Raine Group, appointed to handle the sale of the club by outgoing owner Roman Abramovich, is in the process of identifying preferred bidders following receipt from 20 to 30 offers.
Sources told ESPN that Boehly’s team, which includes Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and British property investor Jonathan Goldstein, have been told they have moved on to the next phase.
The other person confirmed to have progressed on Friday morning is the coalition led by British businessman Sir Martin Broughton, the former chairman of British Airways, which has world athletics president Sebastian Coe and is rumored to have it. involve Crystal Palace shareholders Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Sources told ESPN last week that Raine is likely to identify two or three bids for consideration by the Chelsea hierarchy, with the exception of Abramovich, who has been sanctioned by the British government for the allegations. has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Ricketts, owners of the Chicago Cubs, are waiting to see if they make any progress Friday morning.
In a statement on Friday, Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) said the Ricketts family still had to demonstrate how they would address supporters’ concerns about inclusion.
“They must do so openly and they must do so urgently,” CST said after a meeting with family amid fan backlash to the family patriarch Joe Ricketts’ comments in a email exchange leaked a few years ago that “Muslims are of course our enemies.”
“If they cannot … earn the trust of Chelsea supporters, then the CST board does not believe it will be in the best interests of our members and Chelsea supporters to Their efforts were successful,” the statement continued.
Joe’s son Tom Ricketts said in a statement that they have listened to feedback, including from CST, and are grateful that the door remains open for them to demonstrate their commitment to working with fans.
“My family and I are grateful to all the fans and support groups who took the time to meet with us this week and share their passion and interest in the Football Club. kick Chelsea. It is clear that you have nothing but the best interests of the club,” the statement read.
“We’ve listened to all of your feedback – including from the Chelsea Supporters’ Club – and are grateful that the door remains open for us to demonstrate our commitment to working with fans to protect the legacy of the club. club.
“We must now redouble our efforts and clearly map out a vision for the management of the club with diversity and inclusion at its heart.”
The Saudi Media Corporation was among those told it would not succeed.
Spokespersons for Centricus and Aethel Partners, the two London-based firms that submitted bids, did not immediately respond to requests for comment when contacted by ESPN.
Another UK-based offer led by Nick Candy, backed by South Korean investors, is also hoping to make the shortlist, especially if Raine decides to forgo more than three of the bids they made. originally expected.
Once an offer is selected, it is presented to the UK government for final approval.
