Mueez Ajao
– The consortiums involving ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly have made the shortlist of bidders to buy Chelsea.
– Around six groups are thought to have lodged a bid for the Premier League club before last Friday’s deadline.
– A shortlist is being established before a preferred bidder is announced.
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– On Thursday, the Saudi Media Group said it had not made the shortlist.
– British multi-millionaire businessman Nick Candy’s bid has not made the shortlist either.
– Sources close to his Blue Football Consortium claim they have been asked to speak to other bids and that those talks are now under way.
– Another frontrunner, the Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are still awaiting an update on their bid.
– Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said on Friday it “still has concerns about the ability of the Ricketts family to run an inclusive, successful club”.
– Having met the Ricketts family this week, the CST added: “If they are unable to address these and gain the confidence of supporters, we do not believe it would be in the best interests of our members for the bid to succeed.”
– Chelsea have been granted a special licence by the UK government to continue operating after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
– Russian billionaire Abramovich is seeking £3bn for the sale, but the proceeds will go to a charitable foundation or a frozen account with approval from the government.
– Any sale must be signed off by the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test.
– It is understood bids are being assessed on their valuation of the club, their working capital commitment, their source of funds, the speed and certainty with which they can close the transaction and their background in sport.
