Todd Boehly has opened up on whether he is planning to sell his stake in Chelsea amid rumours of a rift with Behdad Eghbali and Clearlake Capital.
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Boehly opened up on parting ways with ChelseaRevealed plans for building a new stadiumChelsea next face Spurs on April 3Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Boehly, an American billionaire, bought Chelsea in partnership with Behdad Eghbali and his private equity firm Clearlake Capital in 2022. While Clearlake holds 61.5 per cent of the Blues, the American has a minority share of 13 per cent. The new owners have spent more than £1 billion ($1.3bn) on player transfers since taking charge, but the club's on-field performances have not been up to the mark. There has been criticism of the new regime and also reports have emerged that there is a possible rift between Boehly and Clearlake over the construction of a new stadium and that Boehly could exit the club as a result.
AdvertisementWHAT TODD BOEHLY SAID
The US-based businessman, however, refuted the rumours of his exit as he told : "What the media writes about is not realistic. We've been aligned with what we are trying to do and trying to build. The status quo is something that is just fine. We learn from each other. We have to think about long-term what we are trying to accomplish."
He added: "We’re going to be able to work it out any which way. If you look at the evolution of the team, we’ve been aligned on what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to build. It’s a team that’s young, it’s a team that’s got long contracts. All these things were new. In order to do all these things we’ve done, it’s because we’re aligned. We’re executing on a plan that ultimately will have Chelsea where it belongs. We’re sitting in the top four of the table."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
On building a new home for the west London side, Boehly admitted the decision could lead to a parting of ways: "We have a big stadium development opportunity that we have to flesh out. That’s going to be where we’re either aligned or we ultimately decide to go different ways."
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Chelsea's players will be hoping there is not more upheaval coming off the pitch. Enzo Maresca's side will be back in action next month after the international break as they host London rivals Tottenham in a Premier League clash on April 3.
