The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have refuted claims that they are happy with the four remaining contenders hoping to buy Chelsea, citing that they have no role in selecting a preferred bidder in the process.
Groups led by
Todd Boehly, the Ricketts family, Martin
Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca all remain in
contention to takeover the club from Roman
Abramovich with a first choice expected to
emerge this week.
However, a spokesperson for DCMS has asserted that the only role the government will play is in amending the special licence that Chelsea are currently operating under due to the sanctions placed on Abramovich, to authorise the sale of the club.
However, a spokesperson for DCMS has asserted that the only role the government will play is in amending the special licence that Chelsea are currently operating under due to the sanctions placed on Abramovich, to authorise the sale of the club.
The licence has prevented business as usual
at Stamford Bridge, placing limits on the money
they can spend on travelling to and hosting
games, selling merchandise, including selling
tickets to home fans for Premier League games,
and preventing any new contracts or transfers
being agreed.
Raine Group have been tasked with facilitating Chelsea's sale with the new deadline for final offers reported to be on April 14th.
Raine Group have been tasked with facilitating Chelsea's sale with the new deadline for final offers reported to be on April 14th.
After a
preferred bidder has been chosen, the proposed
takeover will be presented to the government on
April 18th with the hope of the licence being
amended. The DCMS looked to make it clear they
have no role in choosing a successful bidder
however.
Reports had stated that the government were happy with all four remaining bidders and would be prepared to push through the sale of the club to any of the remaining parties. However, that has been refuted by the government. A spokesperson said:
"PA's reporting is inaccurate and wrong. The Government has no role in establishing a preferred bidder for Chelsea Football Club. Assessments of owners and due diligence are a matter for the club and the Premier League, not the government. Our role is to consider an application for an amended licence that authorises a sale of the club when it comes forward with a preferred bidder."
As revealed by football.london , the government is unlikely to impose any hard conditions apart from ensuring Roman Abramovich does not receive any money from a sale.
That means the decision to offer the club’s supporters a “golden share” or added representation will likely be at the discretion of the new owners , although the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have been lobbying the groups and in Westminster.
Reports had stated that the government were happy with all four remaining bidders and would be prepared to push through the sale of the club to any of the remaining parties. However, that has been refuted by the government. A spokesperson said:
"PA's reporting is inaccurate and wrong. The Government has no role in establishing a preferred bidder for Chelsea Football Club. Assessments of owners and due diligence are a matter for the club and the Premier League, not the government. Our role is to consider an application for an amended licence that authorises a sale of the club when it comes forward with a preferred bidder."
As revealed by football.london , the government is unlikely to impose any hard conditions apart from ensuring Roman Abramovich does not receive any money from a sale.
That means the decision to offer the club’s supporters a “golden share” or added representation will likely be at the discretion of the new owners , although the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have been lobbying the groups and in Westminster.
0 Comments