Revealed: The key decision that ‘sparked Chelsea power struggle’ with co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali both ‘ready to buy the other out for full control’
Mauricio Pochettino’s shock dismissal from Chelsea has reportedly sparked a ‘power struggle’ within the club, leading to discussions over future share sales.
The Blues have been a huge shake-up in the transfer market since co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were backed by US investment firm Clearlake Capital in 2022.
Since then they have spent more than £1billion on new recruits during a turbulent period that saw four different permanent managers take charge of a young and overstaffed squad.
The results on the field have yet to show how much money has been spent and a debate is emerging about the relationship between the two co-owners, which is coming under increasing strain.
Disagreements arose as discussions turned to whether Pochettino should remain at the helm or be sacked, with Boehly having to compete against others in a bid to convince them to keep the Argentine, reports The Time.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly (pictured) is believed to have wanted to keep Mauricio Pochettino at the helm
Pochettino was sacked at the end of his first season at the club after a difficult campaign
Relations between Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali (left) are reportedly strained
The American is a regular fixture in the Stamford Bridge hall of fame and openly supported Pochettino’s decision to retain his position after a difficult first campaign in the Premier League.
Eventually, they parted ways and decided by mutual agreement to terminate his contract after just one season, with the Blues later appointing former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as his successor.
The decision-makers at Clearlake Capital were reportedly persuaded by Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who produced a document to sack Pochettino after just 10 months, much to Boehly’s chagrin.
Boehly, 50, is the face of Chelsea, previously represented by former owner Roman Abramovich, and was responsible for the club’s most successful period before it was forced to sell after the British government imposed restrictions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Now there are suggestions that Boehly and Eghbali are both looking to buy each other’s shares in order to gain a greater controlling stake. Mail Sport previously revealed that Clearlake Capital has no plans to sell its stake.
Clearlake owns a majority stake of 61.5 percent in Chelsea, but all major decisions are made jointly by a group of four lead investors.
Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley (right) and Laurence Stewart (centre) reportedly wanted Pochettino to leave
Boehly (left) regularly attends Chelsea matches at Stamford Bridge to keep a close eye on things
Pochettino initially signed a two-year contract with the club, which was later terminated
The earlier announcement that Pochettino would play no further part in the club’s future initially left the club’s fans stunned and divided opinion, with many feeling that the former Spurs manager had not been given enough time.
The 52-year-old was linked with a move to Manchester United before Erik ten Hag signed a new contract and Pochettino later made the surprise decision to become the new head coach of the United States men’s national team.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have started the new season strongly, with one win, one loss and one draw in their opening three Premier League victories before the international break.
They will be back in action on Saturday evening with an away match against Bournemouth.