Billionaire consortium planning Chelsea takeover led by Seb Coe and Sir Martin Broughton vows huge transfer investment
THE CONSORTIUM led by Seb Coe and Sir Martin Broughton that is trying to buy Chelsea have vowed serious investment so the club can continue competing for European honours.
Owner Roman Abramovich has put the reigning Champions League holders up for sale – at a valuation of £3billion – after his assets were frozen by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Double Olympic champion Coe and British businessman Broughton submitted a “competitive” formal bid on Friday to take over the Stamford Bridge club – with global backers from four different continents.
All cash proceeds from the sale would be “delivered without delay to the victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
The pair – who are lifelong Chelsea fans – have promised fans they will “invest in the club to keep it at the top of European football”.
They say there would be an “immediate commitment to invest in players, new team facilities, and new commercial opportunities”.
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The bidders want to “move quickly to resume all normal operations at the club, avoid catastrophic delays, and protect the fans, employees, players, and sponsors”.
And all major decisions – including plans for the future of the West London stadium – would be “made alongside the fans”.
Their five-point blueprint which has been seen by SunSport added: “All options are on the table, including all recommendations of the Fan-Led Review, and these will be implemented following consultation with the supporters.
“A consortium approach of investors who share the same ambition, commitment, and fan-centric vision.
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“The plan will guarantee that the club is never beholden to a single individual or sovereign wealth fund, ensuring that the club never faces a crisis like this again.”
Coe, 65, is the head of World Athletics -- he will go for re-election next year -- but he would have a seat on the Chelsea board if the bid goes through.
Broughton, a former British Airways chairman, brokered the sale of Liverpool during a similar crisis 12 years ago when Fenway Sports Group took over from the disastrous Gillett and Hicks regime.
The 74-year-old said: “I am assembling a team that will ensure the future success and financial stability of a club I’ve supported for over 60 years.
“We will secure a prompt purchase and smooth transition, with funds readily available for the immediate takeover of the club and immediate investment in the team, facilities, and commercial opportunities.
“I believe I am the right person to lead Chelsea as we start this new chapter for the club.
“I have a track record of success in boardrooms throughout my career and I have done this before.
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“I remain the only person to have effected a change of ownership at a major football club in a similar situation, which I did at Liverpool 12 years ago.
“But most importantly, as a lifelong fan, I am committed to ensuring Chelsea maintains its preeminent position at the top of European football and making sure we put fans first.”