Chelsea’s owners are locked in a ‘civil war’ with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital at ‘breaking point’ – but what’s the reason for their huge fall-out?
It has emerged via The Telegraph that there’s a heated dispute going on between top figures at Stamford Bridge, which may lead to dramatic hierarchical changes.
Chelsea have endured a turbulent period ever since a group of US-based investors, led by Boehly, replaced old owner Roman Abramovich in May 2022.
It is now thought that Boehly and Behdad Eghbali – who founded Clearlake with Jose Feliciano – are considering buyout options to end their big disagreements.
Fans are keen to know what’s happened behind the scenes, and what the future will look like for the Blues, so Metro.co.uk has explained all you need to know…
Why are Chelsea’s owners locked in a civil war?
Boehly and Eghbali are believed to have conflicting visions for the future of Chelsea over a number of issues, both on and off the pitch.
According to Sky Sports, Boehly is unsure of the current recruitment strategy being implemented by Eghbali.
Boehly is also thought to have reservations over the fact that no significant progress has been made on redeveloping Stamford Bridge.
Why are Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali at breaking point?
It is reported Bohely and Eghbali have never been close friends – but that their relationship is now even less close than when they first arrived at Chelsea.
They appear to be at breaking point because they are both strong-headed businessmen and have their own ideas about how Chelsea should be run.
Boehly feels his relationship with Eghbali’s Clearlake has become unsustainable and is seeking a resolution to prevent the situation from getting any worse.
What will happen next?
Eghbali and Clearlake have no desire whatsoever to sell their shares. They currently own a 61.5 per cent stake – which gives them primary control.
The other 38.5 per cent is equally split between Todd Boehly, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.
Clearlake would be interested in buying Boehly’s 13 per cent stake if he wished to walk away from the club.
But Boehly, according to The Telegraph, is confident he can raise sufficient capital to launch his own takeover attempt.
They add that it ‘seems certain’ Chelsea’s ownership structure will change before 20227 – although it remains to be seen who will stay and who will walk away.
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