The English Premier League and the British and Portuguese governments had previously granted the necessary approvals for the takeover. The proceeds from the sale are to be used for humanitarian purposes – specifically for war victims in Ukraine – and will not benefit the owner of the club either directly or indirectly. The previous owner Abramovich is on the British and EU sanctions lists because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The club’s future was at times in limbo with the sanctions imposed on Abramovich.
According to Chelsea, there were more than 250 inquiries from potential buyers. In the end, three of twelve “credible offers” remained. The consortium around Boehly stood out from the others, also because those involved had already shown their strength through their commitment as owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks basketball teams, it said in a statement of the Chelsea board.
Among other things, the club thanked its German coach Thomas Tuchel for his patience and support during the difficult time. Because of the sanctions, the club was not allowed to sign new players or negotiate contracts. The sanctions are now expected to be lifted.
