Chelsea ‘on brink of civil war’ amid claims of ownership conflict – with Todd Boehly ‘preparing £2.5billion offer to buy out Clearlake Capital’
Todd Boehly is reportedly prepared to buy out Chelsea co-owner Clearlake Capital to avoid a civil war in the Stamford Bridge boardroom.
Boehly and Clearlake took over the business when Roman Abramovich was forced to sell following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Clearlake is the majority shareholder with 61.5 percent, while Boehly divides the remaining 38.5 percent among two other investors.
Boehly is reportedly exploring buying out Clearlake following the breakup of his relationship with frontman Behdad Eghbali.
According to the TelegraphThe American believes he can quickly raise more than £2.5bn to make a bid for Clearlake, giving them back the profit on their initial investment.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly believes the structure is at ‘breaking point’
Mail Sport understands that while the relationship between Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali (left) is not as strong as it was two years ago, it remains professional
The report states that Boehly has the backing of investors, with the 50-year-old said to have a vision for the club over the next 20 to 30 years, including the development of a new stadium.
Boehly is said to have concluded that the current ownership structure is “untenable” and that a solution must be found.
Mail Sport reported on Friday that Clearlake has not held talks with Boehly and is only interested in increasing its own stake.
Although the relationship is not as strong as it was after the takeover two years ago, it is still professional. Agreement is needed to get things done.
US investment firm Clearlake wants to stay in Stamford Bridge for the next ten years and would like to take over one of the three 13 percent stakes it has.
Of all the owners, Eghbali has been the most involved, working closely with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, particularly during a hectic summer of transfers.