Chelsea’s ownership situation has taken a fresh twist with the club reportedly on the verge of a ‘civil war’ in the boardroom.
Reports surfaced on Friday evening indicating that Chelsea’s main shareholders are considering their options just two years after taking over the club. Clearlake Capital, a California-based private equity firm, and Todd Boehly led a consortium that purchased the London club from Roman Abramovich for approximately £4.2 billion.
Following a hectic summer transfer window, Bloomberg revealed that relations between Clearlake and Boehly have soured, leading both parties to explore the possibility of buying each other out. Despite the tensions, both Clearlake and Boehly remain fully committed to Chelsea and are working together professionally.
A new report from The Telegraph provides further details on the situation. Boehly and his partners have the financial capability to pursue a complete takeover, but Clearlake has made it clear that they will not sell any shares. Boehly is reportedly prepared to raise over £2.5 billion, which would generate a profit for Clearlake, the club’s majority shareholder. Clearlake views their investment in Chelsea as a long-term commitment of over a decade, while Boehly envisions his involvement with the club spanning 20 to 30 years.
Both Clearlake and Boehly are keen to increase their stakes in Chelsea, and there are no plans for Boehly to sell his share to Clearlake alone. This means that Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter, who collectively own 38.5% alongside Boehly, would also need to be bought out for any potential transaction to proceed.
Chelsea’s ownership situation has reached a critical point, with the club reportedly on the brink of a ‘civil war’ in the boardroom. On Friday evening, it was revealed that Chelsea’s main shareholders are reconsidering their positions just two years after Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly completed a £4.2 billion takeover from Roman Abramovich.
The fallout from a busy summer transfer window has led to deteriorating relations between Clearlake and Boehly, prompting both parties to explore buying each other out. Despite the tensions, both sides are committed to the club and are working together professionally.
According to The Telegraph, Boehly and his partners have the financial means to execute a full takeover, but Clearlake insists they will not sell any shares. Boehly is prepared to raise over £2.5 billion, which would benefit Clearlake financially. Clearlake views their investment as a long-term commitment of over a decade, while Boehly envisions his role extending 20 to 30 years.
Both Clearlake and Boehly are keen to increase their stakes, and there are no current plans for Boehly to sell his share to Clearlake alone. This would also require buying out Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter, who collectively own 38.5% alongside Boehly.
Further complicating matters, both Clearlake and Boehly have matching rights and blocking options if either tries to sell their stake. The ongoing power struggle, coupled with significant differences over the club’s direction and culture, risks causing severe disruptions both on and off the pitch. Chelsea has already invested over £1 billion in the transfer market since the takeover in 2022, and the club has seen five different managers during this period.
