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Chelsea FC | 2021/22 Season

The match today against Manchester City showed that Chelsea are a couple of world-class players short of challenging for the Premier League title.

Yes they had some injuries today, but overall they need a couple of high quality players to get close to Man City.
 
Chelsea are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa on loan, with the 29-year-old currently out of favour at the French club.

Chelsea are looking to sign a left-back this month, with Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury while Lyon have reportedly rejected Chelsea's offer to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan in France.
 
Thomas Tuchel says his Chelsea players looked "tired" in the 1-1 draw against Brighton and need some days off ahead of the Sunday showdown against Tottenham.

Tuchel gave his reasons for Chelsea's performance to BT Sport after the game, saying: "We looked tired. We knew they were well prepared, had more time to prepare for this match and you see at the end after the whistle, the stadium celebrated like it was a victory. That is what you face.

"We need our full strength to overcome these obstacles, so no blame for the team. We tried everything, but you could see we were mentally and physically tired.

"We need some days off, we have now two days off then two days to prepare for the next match at home against Tottenham. The boys need some days off, there is no other solution."

When later asked how much his team needed two days off, he added: "So, so badly. You can say it's an excuse but it's like this.

"Look at our schedule when we arrived at Man City, we had Carabao Cup in between, they did not. When we arrived here, they had more days to prepare. We've played like this since November, we are the team that plays and plays and plays.

"We need to recharge the batteries and disconnect. That's my feeling, that's why I've given them two days off and then we will use Friday and Saturday to prepare for Sunday against Tottenham."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...oked-tired-against-brighton-and-need-time-off
 
Thomas Tuchel admits he and his players must adopt a "different attitude and mindset" after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues followed defeat by City with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday night.

Tuchel gave his players time off this week before facing Tottenham on Sunday.

"We decided we would give the players two days off after Brighton to de-connect a little bit," Tuchel said.

"But the two days alone doesn't solve everything. It was good to have, and after this Tottenham game we will have another chance to give the majority of the players another two days off, because we simply need it.

"But for this Sunday, two days alone are not the solution. We have to make sure we are in a different attitude and a different mindset, and in top shape, because we have a big match."

Chelsea have fallen off the blistering pace set by City, with the Blues having drawn five games and lost twice since the start of the December.

Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech were spotted having a lengthy animated conversation during the draw at Brighton, but Tuchel believes his players will be refreshed in time for their London derby with Spurs.

"I could see, I could feel from myself and from the team, that some emotions took over, maybe frustration, maybe disappointment," admitted the German, reflecting on his side's draw with the Seagulls.

"It was hard for us on this particular day to reach our top level as a team, whatever top level means on this particular day.

"We did not expect in general that we would play an overwhelming, exciting match, because there's a very strong opponent who has a certain style of play that makes you underperform sometimes.

"But that was the very first time, so when it happens for the first time we should not make a bigger deal of it than it is.

"We've had our two days off now and two days to prepare to be ready for Sunday."

Tuchel is still without Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Andreas Christensen as his team prepare to face Spurs for the third time this month, having beaten Antonio Conte's side in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Fifth-placed Tottenham are eight points adrift of Chelsea in third, but with four games in hand because of because of recent match postponements, Tuchel says he is aware of the need to take three points off their London rivals at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

"It's a big game because of course we can do our mathematics," said the former Paris St-Germain boss.

"But it's strange to see the fixture and see teams competing for the same area of the table and having four games less.

"So this can lead to a wrong impression that you're comfortably ahead when you are not. So we have to make sure that this stays like this."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60088709
 
Chelsea failed in their latest attempt to tie Germany defender Antonio Rudiger down to a new deal despite offering the 28-year-old close to £200,000 a week amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain. (Mail)
 
Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for Covid-19...

The Chelsea head coach will now follow necessary self-isolation protocols and hopes to join up with the team in Abu Dhabi later next week.

The team fly out for the Club World Cup following this afternoon's FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle.

Assistant coach Arno Michels spoke to the media before-kick and revealed that he would be in close communication with the boss.

‘He was fully in charge throughout the whole week with the preparation for the game so he knows exactly what’s going on today,' he said.

'We will stay in touch with him during the game as well so it’s all good.’

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/02/05/tuchel-tests-positive-for-covid-19
 
Chelsea's unvaccinated players set to miss away Champions League tie in Lille

Chelsea's unvaccinated players look set to miss next month's Champions League tie at French club Lille after Uefa updated its Covid-19 rules.

France does not allow unvaccinated people to enter the country.

But it was hoped that Chelsea could move the second leg of their last-16 tie to a neutral venue in order to use their whole squad.

However new rules issued by Uefa on Tuesday now mean that switch will not be possible.

Chelsea will host Lille in the first leg on 22 February with the return leg in France on 16 March.

The club, which is in Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, has not disclosed who or how many players are unvaccinated.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, who tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday and is not yet in Abu Dhabi, has previously said: "At some point, everybody who is not vaccinated will face some consequences.

"If players are not allowed to travel to France, this can create problems for us in not being able to use key players."

Earlier this month, the Premier League said 80% of its players had been double jabbed.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60315637
 
Al Hilal 0-1 Chelsea: Romelu Lukaku's first-half strike sends Blues into Club World Cup final

Romelu Lukaku's first-half strike was enough to send Chelsea through to the Club World Cup final as they held on to beat Al Hilal 1-0 in Abu Dhabi.

Lukaku (32) put Chelsea in front at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Wednesday's semi-final with a close-range effort after Kai Havertz's cross bounced off a defender, falling nicely for the Belgium striker to end a run of five matches without a goal.

Chelsea will now play Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final on Saturday.

"Everyone's very happy Lukaku scored, he fought very hard and tried hard in the game," said Chelsea assistant Zsolt Low, standing in for Thomas Tuchel who was absent with Covid.

"That's why we give him the chance all the time. We hoped for a bit of luck to score today. He's very happy, we're very happy and hope he continues and scores in the final."

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, winners of last season's AFC Champions League, really pushed for an equaliser in the second half as Chelsea lost control of the game, but Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be the hero for the Premier League side.

https://www.skysports.com/football/al-hilal-vs-chelsea/report/460725
 
Chelsea are crowned Club World Cup champions after an extra-time 2-1 victory against Brazilian club Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi.
 
"Your passion made this possible" - Tuchel dedicates Chelsea's first Club World Cup to Abramovich

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel dedicated his side's first Club World Cup triumph to owner Roman Abramovich after an extra-time win against Brazilian side Palmeiras.

A 117th-minute penalty in Abu Dhabi by Kai Havertz - who also scored their 2021 Champions League winner - means the Blues have now won every possible trophy under the ownership of the Russian billionaire

Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring with a header in the second half before Raphael Veiga levelled from the spot.

Palmeiras defender Luan was sent off in added time as the Blues sealed victory.

"It is for him, there is no doubt that it is for him," said Tuchel of Abramovich.

"We met quickly on the pitch after the final, he said 'congratulations' and I said 'congratulations, it's for you, it's your club and it's your input and your passion that made this possible' and I'm happy to be part of it.

"So of course the trophy is for him."

Much like in their semi-final win against Al-Hilal, Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to create chances for much of the final in the United Arab Emirates.

Their cutting edge looked unlikely to improve when Mason Mount was forced off through injury, just as he was in their FA Cup tie with Plymouth, while Lukaku continued to cut an isolated figure up front.

Palmeiras were content to make the most of their threat on the counter-attack, with the pace of Rony and Dudu stretching the Blues defence, but there were very few clear-cut chances.

Then nine minutes after the break, Lukaku made the breakthrough when Callum Hudson-Odoi sent in his first pinpoint cross and the Belgium striker powered a header past Weverton.

Christian Pulisic, Mount's replacement, went close with a shot from distance after a smart lay-off from Lukaku as the English side looked to cement their control.

But just past the hour mark, Palmeiras equalised when Thiago Silva was adjudged to have handled in the area and, after a check on the pitch-side monitor, Veiga converted emphatically from 12 yards to send the game into extra time.

With a penalty shoot-out looming, Chelsea secured the trophy with a spot-kick of their own. Luan's handball was also checked on the monitor before Germany playmaker Havertz fired home.

Luan was then dismissed for a foul on the match winner in the final minute, after the referee was told to consult the monitor for a third time.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60352740
 
Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

<b>Hakim Ziyech scored a last-minute winner as Chelsea edged past Crystal Palace on their return to Premier League action.</b>

Thomas Tuchel's side last played in the top flight almost a month ago when they defeated Tottenham, and have had a week's rest since winning the Club World Cup last Saturday.

It looked like they would be frustrated by their hosts but Ziyech popped up at the back post to stroke in a delightful volley from Marcos Alonso's cross.

Moroccan Ziyech had converted earlier in the second half when he swept home following Jack Butland's save, but Romelu Lukaku was adjudged to be offside by VAR.

Vicente Guaita had made good saves in the first half from N'Golo Kante's effort and Antonio Rudiger's long range thunderbolt, before the Palace goalkeeper was taken off at half-time because of a knee injury.

The home side, meanwhile, did not have a single shot on target in the entire contest - both Michael Oliseh and Wilfried Zaha failing to work Edouard Mendy from promising positions.

Winners keep going until the very end, a quality illustrated perfectly by reigning world and European champions Chelsea at Selhurst Park as they scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute.

Up until that point, they had been finding it difficult to make inroads against a resolute Palace backline, with striker Lukaku particularly suffering.

Without injured wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Tuchel switched from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3 formation, but the Belgium international lacked any service and had just seven touches of the ball in the whole game.

Lukaku netted in both games at the Club World Cup but has now netted just once in the past eight games in domestic action and question marks remain about whether he fits into the Chelsea system.

He was involved in the disallowed goal on 75 minutes when a thumping shot was batted out for Ziyech to pounce on, but Lukaku failed to time his run and was caught offside.

His team-mates Kante and Rudiger did force Guaita into action in the first half and substitute Butland thought he was on the way to a clean sheet before Ziyech struck for his third consecutive Premier League game.

In the end, a stubborn display ended up being a disappointing day for Palace boss Patrick Vieira and there will be some concern after his side extended their winless run to six games in the league.

In-form Oliseh should have done better when he screwed wide in the first half and Zaha may be left feeling he could have netted too, but the Ivorian side-footed wide and flashed a shot across goal when searching for the equaliser in injury time.
 
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said "it is not the time to laugh about" Romelu Lukaku after the £97.5m striker's recent struggles.

Lukaku only touched the ball seven times in Saturday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, the lowest number any player has managed in a 90-minute Premier League appearance since at least 2003, when that data was first recorded.

"He's in the spotlight and we'll protect him. Romelu will always be part of the solution," Tuchel said.

"Sometimes it's like this with strikers if they struggle a little bit with self-confidence and to find the space to get involved with a good defensive side.

"Of course it's not what we want and what Romelu wants but it's also not the time to laugh about him and make jokes about him."

Romelu Lukaku's touch map in 90 minutes against Crystal Palace, including taking the kick-off and no touches in the opposition box
Chris Sutton, who scored one goal in 28 games for Chelsea in 1999-2000, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "I think at the weekend he hid.

"He's lacking confidence - he looks like an unhappy player. He could do so much more for the team."

The ex-Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker Sutton added: "I've hid myself in games.

"Your confidence wanes and you start to hide. You tell yourself you're not hiding but you are - that was him in a nutshell.

"He didn't want the ball. It's a lack of confidence, it's hesitation, it's doubt.

"It's OK [pundits] blaming other players but he was ambling. He wasn't being clear in his movements.

"I can't see them [Lukaku and Tuchel] both being there next season. Something has to give."

Belgium striker Lukaku, 28, has only managed five Premier League goals in 17 appearances since rejoining Champions League holders Chelsea this summer, scoring another five in other competitions.

He has yet to score a league goal in 2022 since being dropped for a game following an interview that appeared critical of the club, although he netted twice in the recent Fifa Club World Cup, including in the final win over Palmeiras.

Other big-money strikers to struggle for goals at Chelsea compared to their strike-rate elsewhere include Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Torres and Lukaku's current team-mate Timo Werner.

"There is a history of strikers struggling at Chelsea so it may not be the easiest place in the world for strikers," Tuchel said.

"In my opinion, Chelsea are a team considered a strong defensive team, a physical team, that has a certain attitude when in competitive football. We demand a lot of our strikers in terms of defending."

Tuchel was speaking before Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg tie with Lille.

BBC
 
Thomas Tuchel says he understands criticism of Chelsea after Russian invasion of Ukraine

Thomas Tuchel has said he understands criticism directed towards Chelsea in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

After Russian troops crossed the border into Ukraine on Tuesday, Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons Chelsea owner and Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich should have his assets seized, questioned whether he should be allowed to operate a football club himself, and quoted a leaked government document suggesting he should not be allowed to be based in the UK.

Ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Tuchel told reporters the situation in Ukraine, and the potential consequences, was "clouding" his squad's thoughts and defended their desire to focus on football as the conflict escalated.

He said: "We shouldn't pretend this is not an issue. The situation for everyone here is horrible. Nobody expected this, it's pretty unreal. It's clouding our minds, and our excitement towards the final. It brings huge uncertainty, much more to all people in the moment more involved than us. We send our best wishes and regards to them, obviously.

"Still there are so many uncertainties around the situation of our club, in the UK with scenarios like this, that it makes no sense if I comment on it. We're aware of it, we haven't got so much insight or inside information than you might think, and in the very end, I think it's also the right from the team and staff to be not political, to focus on sports. Not because we are hiding, but the situation is clear, it's horrible, no doubt about it.

"I'd love to take my right not to comment on it until there is a decision made. It's distracting us, it's worrying us, to a certain degree I can understand it, I can understand the critical opinions towards the club and us who represent it. We cannot fully free ourselves from it.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-of-chelsea-after-russian-invasion-of-ukraine
 
Chelsea Football Club may face going out of business if the government were to impose sanctions against its owner, Roman Abramovich, finance experts have said.

Ministers have been urged to seize or freeze Abramovich’s assets in the UK after it emerged in parliament that the government had privately named him as a person of interest in 2019 because of his links to the Russian state and his “public association with corrupt activity and practices”.


Such a move could lead Abramovich to demand that Chelsea repay him the £1.5 billion that he is owed by the club, experts have speculated.

Kieran Maguire, a football finance lecturer at Liverpool University, said that Abramovich could in effect use his complicated ownership of Chelsea as leverage against any threat

The Times
 
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he is handing control of the club to the trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation.

"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities," he said in a statement.

"I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s Charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans."
 
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More on this breaking story….

Abramovich is one of Russia's richest people and is believed to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He added: "During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities."

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust said it was "seeking urgent clarification" on what the statement means for the running of the club.

It is not known yet if Abramovich will be sanctioned as part of the UK government's measures against Russia.

Chelsea are not for sale, and the £1.5bn loan their owner gave to the club is not being called in.

The Chelsea Foundation runs the club's community and education departments as well as other charitable activities. Its chairman is US lawyer Bruce Buck, who is also chairman of the club as a whole.

The foundation's other trustees are Chelsea women's team manager Emma Hayes, the club's director of finance Paul Ramos, British Olympic Association chair Sir Hugh Robertson, Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) chief Piara Powar and lawyer John Devine.

During Abramovich's time at Chelsea, the club have won the Champions League twice, both the Premier League and FA Cup five times, the Europa League twice and the League Cup three times.

In August 2021, they won the Uefa Super Cup and they recently won their first Club World Cup, meaning the Blues have won every possible trophy under Abramovich's ownership.

— — —
 
The following statement has just been published...

The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.
 
MenInG said:
The following statement has just been published...

The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.
Click to expand...

Chelsea football club have issued a statement saying the situation in Ukraine is "horrific and devastating" - just hours after owner Roman Abramovich failed to mention the crisis in his stewardship announcement.
 
Kepa Arrizabalaga sub: Jamie Redknapp criticises 'ridiculous' decision to take off Edouard Mendy in Carabao Cup final

Jamie Redknapp criticised the "ridiculous" call to bring Kepa Arrizabalaga on for Chelsea's Carabao Cup final shoot-out defeat - in which he missed the deciding spot kick.

Kepa was brought on in place of first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for the shootout - as he was, successfully, for August's Super Cup penalty shootout win over Villarreal - but skied the decisive penalty of Sunday's final at Wembley after failing to save any of Liverpool's 11 attempts, handing the Carabao Cup to Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Spain international had been Chelsea's goalkeeper for the rest of the competition, but was dropped for Sunday's final for regular number one Mendy, who made a number of stunning saves to keep the scores level in normal and extra-time.

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​​​​​​After all the outfield players then scored in the Wembley shootout, Kepa was unable to match the exploits of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in scoring from the spot as he blazed over.

"I don't like it, it is a rubbish idea," said Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp of the unusual substitution. "I think it is a case of being too clever for your own good. It just complicated it. How could anyone say they wouldn't have won it if Mendy was in goal? It's rubbish, it's nonsense - he didn't even get near to a penalty.

"Mendy's one of the world's best goalkeepers, and then you bring on Kepa instead, ridiculous."

But the substitution was defended by Jamie Carragher.

"There is method in it," countered Carragher. "We shouldn't forget that this was the decision Thomas Tuchel made in the Super Cup when Kepa came on and Chelsea won."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...o-take-off-edouard-mendy-in-carabao-cup-final
 
Chelsea trustees have not agreed to run club after Roman Abramovich move

The trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation have not yet agreed to take control of the club, BBC Sport has learned.

On Saturday, Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich announced he was handing them "the stewardship and care" of the club.

The billionaire, who would remain the club's owner, made the move amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Members of the charitable foundation met on Sunday to discuss the situation.

But some have concerns over whether Charity Commission rules would allow them to run the club, and the foundation's lawyers are now exploring what can be done.

There are also understood to be some members of the foundation concerned about their legal liability if they agree to take on responsibility for running the club.

The announcement from Abramovich was made on the eve of Chelsea's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

"I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart," Abramovich said on Saturday.

"I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans."

Following Abramovich's statement, which did not reference the invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea released another statement on Sunday which said the situation was "horrific and devastating".

"Chelsea FC's thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace," said the west London club.

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust said it was "seeking urgent clarification" on what Abramovich's statement on Saturday means for the running of the club.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60549390
 
Thomas Tuchel has pleaded for questions put to him about Roman Abramovich to end, saying he has "no answers".

A visibly moved Tuchel asked reporters to stop asking him questions about the war in Ukraine, saying the situation is "horrible".

"You have to stop, I am not a politician," Tuchel said, eventually halting journalists after several questions at his pre-match press conference before Chelsea play Luton in the FA Cup.

"I can only repeat myself, and I feel bad to repeat it as I never experienced war. So even to talk about it, I feel bad.

"I'm very privileged as I sit here in peace. I do the best I can but you have to stop asking me these questions as I have no answers for you."

The Charity Commission have asked the six trustees of the Chelsea Foundation for information on a range of issues and have confirmed that the Chelsea Foundation has made a 'serious incident report' over Roman Abramovich.

Labour MP Chris Bryant used Parliamentary Privilege to reveal that Chelsea owner Abramovich is selling his UK home and another flat, telling the House of Commons the Russian billionaire is "terrified of being sanctioned".

Tuchel says Abramovich's decision to pass over control of the club to trustees has made no difference to him and the team, or the day to day running of the club.

He reiterated he does not expect his responsibilities at Stamford Bridge to change, despite Abramovich announcing his intention to hand stewardship and care of the club to its charitable foundation. Abramovich released his statement on Saturday, on the eve of Chelsea's Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Luton, Tuchel said: "For me as a coach and in charge of the first team, the position doesn't change too much in the daily business.

Thomas Tuchel says that his role will not change too much after Roman Abramovich hands over stewardship of Chelsea to the club's board of trustees.

"I have daily exchanges with [director] Marina [Granovskaia] and [technical and performance advisor] Petr Cech about how to improve the first team and this won't stop because they stay in charge. It doesn't affect what I do on a daily basis."

When asked if Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea is a problem, Tuchel added: "It's a bit too much for me to answer. I'm not aware of any details and I'm not aware of the whole situation. We all agree there are situations much more important than football.

"This will never change. Situations like war are of course so much more important but it's not for me to comment on the situation with Abramovich. I don't know enough about it."

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea’s statement on the Ukraine crisis includes the club's owner Roman Abramovich.

"There are much more important things than football. Of course, war is horrible and there cannot be any other opinion than this. But why should we be more distracted than anyone else? There is a huge distraction going on and we are worried but we try to create an atmosphere where we can focus on our passion.

"We are privileged but of course across Europe, everyone has noise in their heads they don't like. Everyone is trying to do their best to do their work."

When asked if he was worried about the future running of Chelsea, Tuchel said: "I'm not sure if I'm the person to give any messages to the fans that isn't sporting.

Gary Neville has criticised the statement from Roman Abramovich regarding his decision to temporarily step away from Chelsea, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We try to be calm here and we are calm in the centre of a storm or of some noise around us that we cannot control and we are also not responsible for it. It's best to stay calm, focus on what we love and what we do. This is sport. We have a right to focus on sport and the players have a right to be focused. This is what we can tell the fans and this is what they saw on Sunday.

"There is a lot of commitment from the players and the fans but everyone is aware there are more important things. The situation in Ukraine is much more important than football and yet still there was a full stadium at Wembley and two strong teams who played a fantastic match. We can distract the fans and entertain them, and I don't see any other solution."

SKY
 
Antonio Rudiger: Chelsea defender's representatives in 'constant dialogue' with Real Madrid and PSG

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger's representatives are in "constant dialogue" with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with currently no talks taking place over a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Discussions between the centre-back's representatives and Chelsea had taken place in January but, as yet, no new, improved official offer has been tabled.

Rudiger's contract is up in the summer and he says he is happy at the club, but insists "there are also other people who have to make decisions".

Sky Sports News has now been told there have been no talks with Chelsea over a new deal for over a month.

Rudiger's decision on where he plays next season will be primarily motivated by the football project.

Rudiger is unlikely to make a decision on his future until the summer for two reasons. Firstly, he has too much respect and love for Chelsea and doesn't want it to distract from an important end to the season.

Secondly, he wants to weigh up all his options - both clubs in Europe and the Premier League. Signing a new deal at Chelsea has not been ruled out and we have previously reported Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is a long term admirer of the player.

Rudiger's Chelsea contract is up in the summer and he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...in-constant-dialogue-with-real-madrid-and-psg
 
Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss claims he has been offered the chance to join a takeover bid for Chelsea as pressure grows on Roman Abramovich to sell up.
 
Roman Abramovich has slapped a £3bn price tag on Chelsea Football Club as the Russian tycoon prepares to end his near-two decade ownership of the winners of the Club World Cup.

Sky News has learnt that Mr Abramovich's advisers at The Raine Group were expected to issue letters to prospective bidders on Wednesday, with a deadline set for indicative bids in mid-March.

Sources close to the process said that as many as eight multibillionaires were being sounded out about their appetite to buy the club at a time when Mr Abramovich faces the possibility of being sanctioned after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian is said to have turned down an offer of £2.5bn for the club from an unidentified third party earlier this week, with bids of £3bn or more expected to be taken seriously.

Among those who have expressed an interest in buying Chelsea in the past are the Ineos tycoon Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Todd Boehly, an American businessman, although it was unclear whether either remained interested in a deal.

Several of the parties contacted by Raine are understood to be from the US, with others from Asia.

On Tuesday, Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss tycoon, claimed publicly that he and three other prospective bidders had been invited to consider offers for the club.

Mr Abramovich's bankers are keen to complete a deal quickly and potentially as soon as May, according to one insider.

Questions remain, however, about the viability of a transaction against the current geopolitical backdrop, with Mr Abramovich - who has long-denied links to the Putin regime - reported to also be putting his London property portfolio up for sale.

The issue of Mr Abramovich's links to the Russian state was raised by Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, during prime minister's questions on Wednesday, amid pressure for tougher sanctions against Russian oligarchs.

Chelsea's parent company carries roughly £1.5bn in debt arising from a loan made by Mr Abramovich, meaning its equity value is also likely to be in the region of £1.5bn.

One source said it was conceivable that the owner might seek to donate the proceeds from a sale to charitable causes, having said at the weekend that he wanted to entrust the "care and stewardship" of the club to the trustees of its charitable foundation.

That plan appeared to run into difficulty when the Charity Commission said it would scrutinise the proposal and a number of the trustees were reported to be uneasy at the idea.

However, the move to hand the club to its foundation has not been abandoned and is likely to continue to be worked on alongside the sale.

In his weekend statement, Mr Abramovich said he had "always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future".

One person close to the club said the decision to sell was "the right thing to do [in the current circumstances]" and said Mr Abramovich was keen to ensure a clean transition to a new owner who would be an appropriate steward of Chelsea.

Mr Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003, and has ploughed unprecedented financing into the Stamford Bridge side in order to deliver consistent footballing success.

Under his ownership, Chelsea have won the Champions League twice, the Premier League and FA Cup five times and a significant number of other trophies.

Neither Chelsea nor a spokesman for Mr Abramovich responded to a request for comment.

SKY
 
<b>Statement from Roman Abramovich</b>

“I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.

The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.

Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.

I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.”

Thank you,
Roman

— — —

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/03/02/statement-from-roman-abramovich
 
Roman Abramovich to sell Chelsea: 'It has not sunk in' - Blues boss Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says it has not sunk in that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is to sell the club, with the German expecting "a big change".

The Russian businessman released a statement before the FA Cup fifth-round win at Luton calling it an "incredibly difficult decision to make".

Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and overseen 19 major trophy wins.

"It's a bit too early to speak, because I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich," said Tuchel.

"So it's very hard for me. It hasn't sunk in yet that this is going to stop. It's a massive change of course. We did not talk about it [before Luton]. We accepted it.

"The players have internet connections, they watch TV so of course they knew, they get messages. But still we focused in the preparation only on sports.

"And maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end we managed to focus, grow into this game and find the key to win it."

Having bought the Stamford Bridge club for £140m, the 55-year-old now values the club at as much as £3bn.

Abramovich says it has "never been about business nor money, but about pure passion for the game and club" and will not ask "for any loans to be repaid", saying proceeds of the sale will be donated to "victims of the war in Ukraine".

It follows a statement on Saturday where Abramovich said he would give "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to its foundation trustees following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"I don't think I need to talk about it, I don't know as much as maybe you think," added Tuchel. "I'm not a CEO or member of the board. So, I'm very sure the club will speak to us and the players.

"I'm not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place. And I still hope and trust for the best. I'm not so much the person who worries about things I cannot influence.

"It's big news, it will be a big change, but I'm also never afraid of change, and will focus on what I can influence, and this is staff and team at Cobham."

Speaking to BBC One, he added: "We heard the rumours throughout the day, and it's on TV, and of course when we have team meetings and we eat together the guys talk about it, everybody talks about it. It is big news, let's wait and see, hope for the best and see what the day brings."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60597069
 
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says any buyer would be 'lucky' to have club

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said "whoever buys the club will be lucky to have it", and added his commitment to staying with the Blues.

The Stamford Bridge side's Russian owner Roman Abramovich is planning to sell the club.

He has taken the decision following his country's invasion of Ukraine.

"Chelsea, for me, is a perfect fit. I love to be here and love everything about the club and, hopefully, it continues," said Tuchel.

"There is now uncertainty but isn't there always as a football manager?

"I'm used and trained to live with it. Of course, different levels and, I have to be honest, this is quite a level but I am positive and hope things will end well."

Tuchel became Chelsea manager when he replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021 and led them to Champions League victory last season.

"I have the opposite of a problem staying here. I said many times that I love working in the Premier League," said the German.

"I love being in England and feeling the tradition and love for sports in general, and for football in particular. It's an amazing place to be."

Abramovich said he was "giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation the stewardship and care" of the club before the League Cup final against Liverpool.

He then announced his plans to sell the Blues prior to the FA Cup tie at Luton Town.

"I think Chelsea is a strong club and will stay a strong club," added Tuchel. "Our owner decided to sell the club but he sells a strong, solid and very well organised club on the highest level.

"He was, and is, a very passionate owner who cares about the team, the club and the performance personally, which is very rare and makes him very special."

Asked if the next owner could match Abramovich's success, Tuchel said: "We will see, we will see. Let's speak in the next 20 years and then we'll see.

"Whoever buys the club will be lucky to have it."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60617550
 
Burnley 0-4 Chelsea

<b>Four goals in 22 second-half minutes helped Chelsea cruise to victory in their first Premier League game since owner Roman Abramovich said he will sell the club.</b>

Manager Thomas Tuchel admitted news of the Russian billionaire's decision had been a distraction, but his side did not show it at Turf Moor thanks to two goals from Kai Havertz, sandwiched between Reece James' opener and Christian Pulisic's close-range finish.

Burnley will rue missed opportunities when the scores were level as they fell to a second successive defeat to remain in the relegation zone.

Just after the half-hour mark, the hosts squandered a great chance. Ashley Westwood's looped cross was misjudged by Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who only punched as far as Dwight McNeil. Somehow, with the goal gaping, he managed to shoot over the bar.

Chelsea had plenty of possession in the first half, but little cutting edge; Nick Pope was barely tested in the Burnley goal.

Almost immediately after the restart, though, James edged into a crowded area and kept his cool to fire emphatically across Pope.

Chelsea were soon three up and in total control. First, Pulisic's pinpoint cross was guided home expertly by Havertz, before the German bundled James' cross over the line.

Pulisic got in on the act 21 minutes from time, rounding off what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon for Chelsea.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60531450
 
Tuchel slams Chelsea fans for singing Abramovich's name during Ukraine applause


Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Premier League clubs held a pre-match moment of solidarity with the country before every game this weekend and the majority of fans joined the applause at Turf Moor.

However, a section of the travelling Chelsea support interrupted the applause to sing the name of the club's Russian owner.

Abramovich this week announced he will sell the Champions League holders amid speculation he could be sanctioned by the British government for his alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Chelsea boss Tuchel was disappointed with the fans who chose not to respect the show of support for Ukraine.


"It's not the moment to do this. If we show solidarity we show solidarity and we should do it together," he said.

"We take the knee together. If an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies we have a minute of respect.

"It is not the moment to give other messages. It's the moment to show respect. We want to do this. As a club we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.

"We do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about this situation. They have our thoughts and our support and we should stand together. It's not the moment for other messages."

Chelsea have won 19 major trophies in Abramovich's 19-year reign, including five Premier League titles, two Champions League and the Club World Cup.

Abramovich is reportedly seeking £3 billion ($4 billion) to off-load Chelsea, with Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak the latest wealthy investor to declare his interest in a potential deal.

Swiss tycoon Hansjorg Wyss and American businessman Todd Boehly, a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, have reportedly formed a partnership with a view to making a bid.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-ne...ing-abramovich-s-name-during-ukraine-applause
 
Up to 10 parties are considering making bids for Chelsea, with investment bankers working on the sale expecting most of the interest to come from the USA, writes Kaveh Solhekol.

Russian, Chinese and Middle Eastern money has been behind the acquisition of many English clubs over the past two decades but everything has changed since the Chinese government's crackdown on foreign investment and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Instead, the majority of potential buyers of Chelsea, who will register their interest with investment bank The Raine Group, are expected to be based in the States.

Who are the potential bidders?

Todd Boehly-Hansjorg Wyss consortium - Boehly tried to buy Chelsea in a £2.2billion deal three years ago and he still wants to buy a Premier League club. The LA Dodgers part-owner has teamed up with Swiss billionaire Wyss. They are unlikely to pay the £3billion asking price.

Muhsin Bayrak - The Turkish businessman's spokesperson has told Sky Sports News that he has submitted an offer for Chelsea but his claims are being treated with caution.

RedBird Capital Partners - US private equity firm who last April paid £533m for an 11 per cent stake in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group. Premier League rules would prevent them owning another club.

Thomas Ricketts - The chairman of the Chicago Cubs is looking for investment opportunities outside the US and was part of a consortium that tried to buy AC Milan in 2018.

Nick Candy - Property developer and Chelsea supporter who is interested in putting together a consortium to buy the club.

Conor McGregor - MMA fighter and Manchester United supporter who claimed on social media on Friday that he was offering £1.5billion. Not thought to be the profile of owner Abramovich is looking for.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe - Britain's richest man has looked at buying Chelsea before but he is known to believe that Premier League clubs are overpriced. Bought Nice and FC Lausanne instead. His spokesperson has distanced him from a move for Chelsea.

Loutfy Mansour - Egyptian businessman is a Chelsea season-ticket holder but his spokesman says he is not pursuing a bid.
 
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More prominent football club owners being lined up from either the USA or the Middle East I guess.

Seems to be where all of the big money is.
 
A consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss have made an offer to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.

Boehly, who is a part owner of MLB side the Los Angeles Dodgers, attempted to purchase the Blues in a £2.2billion deal in 2019 and has now launched a second attempt with Wyss.

According to the Financial Times, US billionaire Josh Harris is also considering making a bid.

Harris owns a minority stake in Crystal Palace and also has investments in a range of other sports teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA and the New Jersey Red Devils of the NHL.

Fellow US businessman Woody Johnson is not commenting on reports that he is considering making a bid. The billionaire is a philanthropist and heir of the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company.

SKY
 
British billionaire Nick Candy is "actively exploring a number of options for a potential bid" to buy Chelsea.

Candy, a boyhood Chelsea fan, is trying to form a consortium with a number of international investors.

Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale last week amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

Candy, 49, believes his background as a property developer could give him an advantage with any plans to rebuild Stamford Bridge.

There are now 20 credible interested parties being handled by the US-based Raine Group, with a deadline of 15 March before assessing a handful of final bidders.

"Nick Candy is actively exploring a number of options for a potential bid for Chelsea," his spokesperson said in a statement.

"Any bid would be made in conjunction with another party, or consortium, and we have serious interest from several international partners.

"Mr Candy has a huge affinity with Chelsea. His father was asked to play for the club and he has been watching matches at Stamford Bridge since the age of four."

Chelsea announced plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium on the Stamford Bridge site in 2015 but the project was put on hold indefinitely three years later.

"The club deserves a world-class stadium and infrastructure and Mr Candy's unique expertise and background in real estate would be a hugely valuable asset to delivering this vision," added the statement.

Abramovich initially said he intended to give "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to its foundation trustees, but then decided to sell the club completely with the threat of sanctions hanging over him following the invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich has denied having close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Only some of the interested parties or bidders have come forward so far:

Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US businessman Todd Boehly have formed part of a consortium to try to take over Chelsea.

Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick last week that he had been offered the chance to buy the club.

The 86-year-old, worth an estimated £3.9bn, added that Abramovich wanted "to get rid of Chelsea quickly" after the threat of sanctions was raised in Parliament.

Boehly, who is a part owner of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, was previously linked with a takeover of Chelsea in 2019.


Muhsin Bayrak

Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak says he is one of those to have launched a bid to buy the club, adding "we will fly the Turkish flag in London soon".

Bayrak is chairman of AB Grup Holding, which he founded in 1999, and has investments in crypto currency, construction, tourism and energy sectors.

Sources close to Bayrak told BBC Sport he is determined to buy Chelsea and his lawyer will be in London for talks on Thursday.


Others

Other parties reported to be interested include New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and a Saudi Arabia-based consortium.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who owns Ineos and bought French club Nice in 2019, has previously shown interest, but will not seek to purchase Chelsea because he does not see it as good value.

BBC
 
Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He is one of seven oligarchs to be hit with fresh sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans.

The list also includes billionaires Igor Sechin and Oleg Deripaska, both seen as allies of Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "there can be no safe havens" for those who have supported the invasion.

"Today's sanctions are the latest step in the UK's unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies," Mr Johnson said.

The government had come under pressure to sanction Mr Abramovich, who said he had made the "difficult decision" to sell Chelsea FC earlier this month.

Abramovich, 55, is alleged to have strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he has denied.

The government says Mr Abramovich, who has an estimated net worth of £9.4bn, is "one of the few oligarchs from the 1990s to maintain prominence under Putin".

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60690362
 
Chelsea have been banned from selling further tickets following Roman Abramoich's sanctioning by the United Kingdom government.

It was announced that Abramovich had been placed on the list of sanctions, barring him from selling

As per Martyn Ziegler, Chelsea fans will be unable to purchase new tickets, meaning only season ticket holders can attend future matches.

The Blues have been given a special licence to continue with football related activities but the sale effectively bars the sale of the club following Abramovich’s sanctioning.

However, off-the-field activities such as completing transfers and renewing contracts are on hold.

https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/n...ure-natches-amid-roman-abramovich-sanctioning
 
BREAKING | Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger looks increasingly likely to leave Chelsea at the end of his contract this summer
 
Roman Abramovich's attempt to sell Chelsea has been halted after the oligarch was sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian put the European champions up for sale after the threat of sanctions was raised in Parliament.

The freezing of Abramovich's assets, which include Chelsea, means the club cannot sell further match tickets.

The move is intended to stop Abramovich making money from Chelsea.

The government has issued a special licence that will allow fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket-holders to attend matches.

Chelsea have said they "intend to engage in discussions" with the government and will seek amendments to the special licence to "allow the club to operate as normal as possible".

Meanwhile, Chelsea's shirt sponsor, telecommunications company Three, has requested that the Blues "temporarily suspend" its deal with the club.

Three has asked for "the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice".

The company added: "We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately.

"However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do."

Chelsea will be unable to buy or sell players, or offer new contracts, while the sanctions are imposed on Abramovich. Chelsea-owned players who are on loan at other clubs will be able to continue to play for those clubs.

The London club's merchandise shop has also been shut.

"Once you start digging down into what this could do - yes, they can play their games but will they even be able [to]?" former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told the BBC World Football podcast.

"Massive amounts of questions but yes, it's not hyperbole to say the future of the club is in serious danger."

Reaction and analysis to Abramovich's sale of Chelsea being halted
The government is open to considering a further addition to the special licence which will allow the sale of the club.

A condition for that to happen would be that Abramovich - one of Russia's richest people who is believed to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin - receives no funds.

He has previously said that proceeds of any sale would be donated to victims of war.

On Wednesday, there were 20 credible parties looking at a potential Chelsea takeover and interest in buying the club has not been dented, despite Abramovich being sanctioned.

It is understood that although the news took many investors by surprise and there is confusion about what happens next, there is still plenty of desire to purchase the club.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has said the government is "committed to protecting" the club.

"Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities," she tweeted.

"I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended."

Dorries later told BBC Sport: "Abramovich has links to Putin, who is mounting a barbaric and evil attack against the people of Ukraine.

"We in this department stand with the people of Ukraine and I'm afraid sanctions have consequences. Abramovich's actions have consequences too."

The sanctions have been imposed on a day that both Chelsea's men's and women's teams are in action, with the Blues travelling to Norwich in the Premier League, while they play West Ham in the WSL.

The Premier League confirmed Chelsea's match at Carrow Road "will go ahead" and added that it will "work with the club and the government to ensure the season will proceed as planned and in line with the government's intention".

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust has called for the government "to minimise the uncertainty" and to include fans "in any conversation regarding ongoing impacts".

As a result of the sanctions, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee will hear from Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham and the Premier League's chief policy and corporate affairs officer Helen MacNamara on Tuesday.

Committee chair Julian Knight said the hearing would "explore issues around the role of Russian money in our national game and will examine the government's approach to financial sanctions targeted at specific individuals and its general policy on sporting sanctions and boycotts".

Knight added: "This morning's announcement that Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the government and emerging details of the likely effect on one of the country's biggest football clubs illustrates the deep and wide-ranging impact such measures will have on sport in this country."

Since his purchase of the club in 2003, Chelsea have been transformed, setting the template for how much finance was needed to compete at the top end of English football.

In total, Abramovich has loaned the club more than £1.5bn, which has helped to bring great success.

Under Abramovich's ownership, the club have won every major trophy possible - including the Champions League twice, both the Premier League and FA Cup five times, the Europa League twice and the League Cup three times.

In February, they won their first Club World Cup.

They have also won the Women's Super League title four times, the Women's FA Cup on three occasions and picked up the Women's League Cup twice in the past eight years.

Financial journalist Kieran Maguire told the BBC: "In the short term, it's to a large extent business as usual. Chelsea will be able to pay wages due at the end of March and will have other overheads.

"Chelsea's wage bill is round about £28m a month. We don't know how much cash they have in the bank. The most recent accounts we have are from June 2021 when there was £16m in the bank. Abramovich has been injecting money into Chelsea on a regular basis over recent years and presumably that won't be able to continue.

"The concern might be what happens if Chelsea's cash reserves are insufficient to pay their wage bill - but presumably the government and Premier League, who have been working on this, will have been looking at it to try to minimise disruption on a club level."

BBC
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In light of the government’s recently announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club, including the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice. 1/2</p>— Three UK (@ThreeUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThreeUK/status/1501981783813984265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately. However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do. 2/2</p>— Three UK (@ThreeUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThreeUK/status/1501981836091793427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
This was always the risk for Chelsea from the start of the Roman era, with their club essentially being propped up by a sugar daddy and being entirely dependent on his discourse.
 
Mobile network Three have asked Chelsea to temporarily suspend their sponsorship and remove its brand from the club’s shirt and stadium.

A Three spokesperson said: "In light of the government's recently announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club, including the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice.

"We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately. However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do.

"As a mobile network, the best way we can support the people of Ukraine is to ensure refugees arriving in the UK from the conflict and customers currently in Ukraine can stay connected to the people who matter to them. Therefore, we are offering connectivity packages to all Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and those in Ukraine."
 
Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea face an uncertain future after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea face an uncertain future but has vowed the team will keep competing on the pitch.

Chelsea won 3-1 at Norwich hours after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

"As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games, we'll be there and will compete hard," boss Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We take it day by day. I didn't see that coming yesterday and I don't know what is coming tomorrow."

Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich's name during the victory at bottom club Norwich which strengthened the club's grip on third place in the Premier League table.

Tuchel said the the off-field developments had proved "another level of distraction".

The German added: "Of course the subject is there, the talks are going on, so there is a certain distraction. The level of impact it has - the news of today is big - in time we don't know how big.

"We cannot influence it."

Chelsea Women were also in action at the same time as Tuchel's team.

They won 4-1 at West Ham in the Women's Super League and boss Emma Hayes said: "I can't get too wrapped up in it when there's a war going on in Ukraine.

"We are Chelsea and we will prevail. There will be solutions, we just need to be patient."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60700515
 
Roman Abramovich: Chelsea fans urged to stop chanting name of owner

Chelsea supporters have been urged to stop chanting in support of the club's owner Roman Abramovich.

Fans sang Abramovich's name during Chelsea's win at Norwich on Thursday.

Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Technology minister Chris Philp said fans need to remember Abramovich has close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, whose regime has committed "barbaric acts" in Ukraine.

"I understand why Chelsea fans have some affection for him, but when the regime he is associated with is committing atrocities that is more important than football," he told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

"So I would ask them to think very carefully before doing that again because the barbaric acts of the Putin regime which Abramovich has supported is far more important than football."

The sanctions, that were imposed on Thursday, mean Abramovich is currently unable to sell the club, though a special licence granted by the government is allowing Chelsea to keep operating.

Philp says the terms of that licence could be altered to allow a sale to go through.

"As the licence conditions are written today, the sale would not be allowed," he told Sky News.

"However, if a buyer emerged it would be open to that buyer or to that football club to approach the government and ask for the conditions to be varied in a way that allows that sale to take place."

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston held a meeting with the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) and three Chelsea fans' groups on Thursday to discuss the impact of the sanctions and outline the process for the club to apply for an amended licence.

"This application could include proposed amendments on ticket sales," read an FSA statement.

"The minister indicated that the government will work with the club and leagues to consider changes along these lines. It is for Chelsea FC to give clarity on where any revenues generated will be directed as part of this application."

The American investment firm handling the sale - Raine Group - has stopped the process for now and has attempted to seek clarification on how a potential sale might go ahead.

How quickly the club can be sold once a buyer has been found depends on the government receiving assurances that the proceeds would not go to Abramovich, but securing those assurances could take time.

Those working on the deal on behalf of Abramovich were told that proceeds from the sale would go to a fund for victims of the war in Ukraine. It is understood that the £1.5bn loan from the Russian oligarch will not be deducted from the price.

At the start of the process Abramovich was looking for £3bn for the club, but that was already seen as an inflated price by industry experts before sanctions were imposed.

British property investor Nick Candy is among those still interested in buying Chelsea.

BBC Sport understands there have been no drop-outs from potential investors following Thursday's news with as many as 20 credible parties still interested.

A spokesperson for Nick Candy said: "We are examining the details of yesterday's announcement and we are still interested in making a bid.

"Clearly this is a time of great uncertainty for all Chelsea fans. In our view, no-one is the owner of a football club - you are the custodian of it for the fans and the community."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60704463
 
Klopp: What the government did is right

First question to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in his press conference is, of course, about what he makes of the situation with Roman Abramovich and Chelsea.

And the German has backed the UK government's decision to sanction the Chelsea owner.

"Thomas (Tuchel) and I know each other but we are not that close that we chat," he said. "Around the games, yes, but not in other moments.

"Of course I feel for him and the players and all the employees at Chelsea because it’s obviously not a (nice) situation.

"It’s nothing they are responsible for, what happens around.

"There is one man who is really responsible and that’s Vladimir Putin. I don’t know about Roman Abramovich’s role in all these kind of things. But over the years you could guess that maybe he is pretty close.

"I think what the British Government did is right to be 100% honest. But it is still not cool for the people at Chelsea and the supporters. I get that.

"But I think the things the Government did are right."
 
'Chelsea feel licence terms are unworkable'

“The situation as far as Chelsea are concerned is the government have said they can carry on playing even though their owner is banned from doing any business whatsoever in the United Kingdom, but there are obviously conditions attached to the licence they’ve been given by the government which allows them to continue operating and playing.

“Chelsea’s feeling is that some of the terms of that licence are just too strict and that it’s going to be very difficult for them to carry on sticking to what the government is asking them to stick to. For instance, not being able to sell tickets for games. For instance, not being able to sell shirts.

"You have to bear in mind that Chelsea, as a business, their wage bill is almost £6m a week, so they need money to be coming in to carry on. So these are the kind of points they’ll be making to the government. They will be saying ‘have another look at this, amend this licence. Is there a way, for instance, we can open our club shop and make money from merchandise? Is there a way that we can sell tickets for games? We need more money coming in. The terms that you have imposed on us at the moment, we believe are unworkable.’"

SKY
 
Trivago to continue Chelsea sponsorship

Chelsea's shirt sponsor Three announced the suspension of its partnership with the Blues on Thursday, but travel company Trivago says it will continue to support the club "in the transition to new ownership".

"As a global travel brand, we believe in connecting and bringing people together," a Trivago statement said. “These are values shared by Chelsea Football Club, an institution that is now 117 years old with a tradition so vitally important to its fans and communities, both locally and globally, and that is why we decided to partner with the club last year.

"The uncertainty over the current ownership situation of Chelsea FC has been challenging. Moving forward, it is important to us to continue supporting the club, the fans and community along with the essential work that the Chelsea Foundation does to help those in need.

"We are looking forward to a transition of ownership as soon as possible and want to support the club in this process.

"As a company of global citizens, we cannot condone the unprovoked and catastrophic invasion of Ukraine. We believe in a free world, freedom of speech and peace. We continue our efforts together with our teams to support the humanitarian efforts and to ease the suffering of the affected population. We stand with Ukraine."

SKY
 
lcimg-900fefa0-01b7-45a2-95df-1b1f5050e90b.jpg


Graffiti has appeared at Stamford Bridge club today after Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government for his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A message outside the stadium in red spray paint read: "Europe is funding the war - not CFC".
 
More problems for Chelsea - Chelsea FC's bank account has been temporarily suspended by Barclays.
 
<b>Roman Abramovich: Chelsea have credit card facilities temporarily suspended</b>

Chelsea's credit card facilities have been temporarily suspended while banks assess the implications of sanctions imposed on Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

The club has been given a special licence to operate despite Abramovich having his assets frozen by the UK government.

Banks want to assess the licence criteria to ensure it does not breach the government's sanctions and Chelsea do not know when the suspension will be lifted.

As part of the licence terms, Chelsea cannot receive money for match tickets which have not already been sold, future gate receipts for FA Cup games or merchandise from the club shop.

That is likely to leave the club with a huge shortfall, with their monthly wage bill amounting to £28m a month.

In discussions with the government on Thursday and Friday Chelsea made applications to change the terms of the licence which would allow the club to receive money for ticket sales, and also boost its limits on spending.

The current licence allows £500,000 to be spent on home matches and allows a £20,000 limit on away travel.

Talks were also held regarding an amendment to the licence about a potential sale of the club and included Raine Group - the American investment firm instructed to handle the sale before Abramovich was sanctioned.

On Friday, a spokesman for the Prime Minister later said the government was "in constant contact" with Chelsea and the Premier League and said the Blues could apply for an "amended licence".

They added: "I believe Chelsea have said that they will do that, and we'll obviously work with the club and the league to consider any operationally necessary changes."

The club has already sold tickets for its game at home to Newcastle on Sunday and Chelsea are set to travel to Lille for a Champions League tie on Wednesday. The home match against Brentford on 2 April is sold out, but tickets will not be able to be sold for games after that.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60714952
 
This is getting more serious by the day.

Not looking good for Chelsea at the moment.
 
what happened to fit and proper? king salman whose waging a war in yemen can buy NFC but roman abromovich who is associated with Putin is sanctioned.
 
Chelsea bids go to extra time after Abramovich hit by British sanctions

Bidders for Chelsea Football Club have been given extra time to bid for last season's Champions League winners after the government's decision to sanction owner Roman Abramovich threw an already-complex firesale into disarray.

Sky News has learnt that parties which have joined the process being run by Raine, the New York-based merchant bank, were informed on Friday evening that they would now have until 18 March to submit indicative offers - three days after the original deadline.

The extension follows another day of chaos at Stamford Bridge on which it emerged that Chelsea had had its corporate bank accounts frozen by Barclays and it became clear that the club was engaged in a race against time to remain solvent.

One source said that Raine had notified prospective bidders that it and Chelsea had "coordinated with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and UK Government Investments and will be moving forward with the sale process".

The involvement of UKGI, which manages the state's holdings in companies such as Channel 4, the Ordnance Survey and Urenco, the uranium processor, is significant because it underlines the extent to which the government will orchestrate the sale of what was until this week one of the world's richest football clubs.

A rapid sale is now seen as essential if Chelsea is to remain solvent and therefore retain the nucleus of a playing squad which has become established as one of Europe's most successful under Roman Abramovich's ownership during the last two decades.

However, one of the new uncertainties relating to the sale concerns the price that might be required to end Mr Abramovich's legal ownership of the London club.

The government has been clear that none of the proceeds from a takeover could flow to Mr Abramovich and there are now doubts that he will have any say over the identity of a buyer.

Bidders were also told in the communication from Raine on Friday that the "successful closing of the sale of Chelsea FC will require a special licence to be approved by UKGI, approving both the source and use of funds".

"We will work with the authorities in the UK to obtain that licence in connection with any transaction," it added.

Among the prospective bidders for Chelsea are consortia led by the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family, Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers backer, the British property entrepreneur Nick Candy and Josh Harris, the private equity executive who has built a portfolio of sports investments.

Raine could not be reached for comment on Friday.

https://news.sky.com/story/chelsea-...-abramovich-hit-by-british-sanctions-12563802
 
Sir Martin Broughton, the British businessman who rescued Liverpool from a bitter boardroom battle a decade ago, is in talks to spearhead a rescue bid for Chelsea as new details emerge about the financial chaos into which last season's Champions League winners have been plunged.

Sky News has learnt that Sir Martin, a lifelong Chelsea fan, has held discussions in recent days about playing a role in bids being prepared by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers baseball team's part-owner, and Josh Harris, a backer of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball side.

The former British Airways chairman is also negotiating with potential financial backers about tabling his own bid, as a field of international suitors circles Chelsea ahead of a deadline for offers next week.

If he does become formally involved in a takeover, it would come 12 years after Sir Martin orchestrated the sale of Liverpool to Fenway Sports Group, bringing the curtain down on the disastrous reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillett and ushering in the most successful period in the Reds' recent history.

Significantly, Sir Martin remains the only person to have effected a change of ownership at a major football club at the behest of the UK government - which he did at Liverpool by virtue of the state-controlled Royal Bank of Scotland's status as the club's biggest lender.

Sir Martin, 74, was a major figure in British business for decades, running British American Tobacco and then becoming chairman of British Airways.

He now chairs Sports Investment Partners, a private investment firm which has backed businesses in areas such as sports technology and event management.

One insider said that any bid for Chelsea that Sir Martin was involved in would need to reserve an ownership stake in the club for supporters - a decision that would be expected to win government backing as it prepares to respond to former sports minister Tracey Crouch's review of football governance.

Sir Martin, who attended his first match at Stamford Bridge in 1955, declined to comment on any aspect of the potential transaction but said: "There's a real need to change everyone's mindset. There's too much emphasis on Roman as the legal owner and not enough on the Ukrainian victims - who to all intents and purposes are the beneficial owners - and the fans who are the emotional owners."

Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Sir Martin added that Chelsea's shirt sponsor, the mobile phone network Three UK, needed "to stop thinking about their brand being contaminated by Roman and start thinking about how they can enhance their brand by supporting the Ukrainian victims, and how they can strengthen their emotional bond with the fans".

"Most of all, the government must prevent the club going into administration," he said.

"That would destroy at least £500m value, which means £500m less going to the victims of the war.

"Surely, after all the brilliant efforts of the British public in raising some £200m in donations, no government wants that on their hands as an unintended consequence of their actions."

On another day of seismic developments affecting Chelsea, the Premier League disqualified owner Roman Abramovich from being a director, but said the move would not affect players' ability to train or fulfil the club's fixtures.

The government also amended the licence enabling Chelsea to continue operating, increasing the sum it can spend on each home match from £500,000 to £900,000 and permitting the club to receive and spend income from broadcast rights and prize money.

Sky News can also reveal that Jonathan Goldstein, a London-based investor who owns the Prezzo chain of restaurants, is part of Mr Boehly's consortium that is battling to gain control of Chelsea.

Mr Goldstein runs Cain International, a property and development group that could be instrumental in revamping Chelsea's Stamford Bridge home or the construction of a new stadium.

He and Mr Boehly have been partners for the last eight years, and insiders confirmed on Saturday that Mr Goldstein would take an ownership stake in Chelsea if their bid is successful.

The two men worked together on an unsuccessful bid for Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea's London rivals, in 2018.

The third member of their consortium is Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire who is reported to have a long-standing relationship with Mr Abramovich.

City sources said that insolvency practitioners and lawyers had begun circling Chelsea amid suggestions that the club's sale may have to be implemented through a pre-pack administration process.

Those fears were stoked on Friday when it emerged that Chelsea's corporate credit cards had been frozen by Barclays as the British bank sought to clarify the implications of the sanctions against Mr Abramovich.

If it fell into administration, it would trigger an automatic points deduction under Premier League rules and would make Chelsea the biggest club in English football history to be declared insolvent.

One insider acknowledged that the club's directors were, in accordance with their legal duties, preparing for all possible outcomes, including a potential administration process.

The likelihood of this is, however, seen as remote, particularly after the amended licence granted on Saturday by the government provided the club with additional financial headroom.

Andrew Umbers, founder of Oakwell Sports, a leading European sports consultancy and corporate finance firm, said he believed that Chelsea had approximately two months of working capital left to avoid insolvency.

His firm is working alongside Pinto Capital with three separate groups of bidders involving high net worth individuals from Africa, the US and Middle East.

The many unanswered questions about the sale of Chelsea now concern the price that a buyer will have to pay, the destination of the proceeds and any role that Mr Abramovich will have in determining the identity of whoever inherits ownership of the club after nearly 20 years in his hands.

This week, Chelsea sponsors such as Three UK suspended their associations with the club after the government added Mr Abramovich to its sanctions list, and the club was banned from opening its retail outlets or selling new match tickets to fans.

Sky News revealed on Friday evening that bidders had been given extra time to table offers, with a new deadline of next Friday.

Chelsea play their next game at home to Newcastle - now majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund - on Sunday, with the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge expected to be febrile as uncertainty clouds the club's future.

Raine, the US merchant bank running the auction, notified prospective bidders that it and Chelsea had "coordinated with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and UK Government Investments [UKGI] and will be moving forward with the sale process".

A rapid sale is seen as essential if Chelsea is to remain solvent and therefore retain the nucleus of a playing squad which has become established as one of Europe's most successful under Roman Abramovich's ownership during the last two decades.

The government has been clear that none of the proceeds from a takeover could flow to Mr Abramovich.

Bidders were also told in the communication from Raine on Friday that the "successful closing of the sale of Chelsea FC will require a special licence to be approved by UKGI, approving both the source and use of funds".

"We will work with the authorities in the UK to obtain that licence in connection with any transaction," it added.

Among the other potential bidders for Chelsea are consortia led by the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family and the British property entrepreneur Nick Candy, who is regarded as being a highly credible party by government sources.


SKY
 
Chelsea snatched a dramatic winner against Newcastle in the first game at Stamford Bridge since Blues' Russian owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

The game looked to be heading towards a goalless draw before Kai Havertz expertly controlled a ball forward and fired into the net in the 88th minute.

It was a tough goal to concede for Newcastle who had wanted Havertz to be sent off in the first half for catching Dan Burn in the face with an elbow when jumping, but the German only received a booking.

Before the goal, both sides had struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Chelsea taking 75 minutes to produce an effort on target.

Newcastle's Miguel Almiron had earlier forced a fine save from home goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a well-struck 25-yard volley and Burn headed just wide.

Just as had happened in Chelsea's 3-1 away win over Norwich on Thursday, a small section of fans chanted Abramovich's name, for a brief period in the second half.

Abramovich has been sanctioned as a part of the government's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, meaning his assets, including Chelsea Football Club, have been frozen.

Chelsea stay third, but are now only seven points behind second-placed Liverpool and 10 adrift of leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Newcastle, beaten for the first time in nine Premier League matches, are 14th, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

The relief and delight shown from Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, both at the goal and again at the final whistle, showed what this meant to him by screaming at the fans and punching the air.

And it was easy to see why he was so emotional with the club's very existence potentially under threat.

Abramovich has been the Chelsea owner for nearly 19 years, a period in which they have won 21 trophies, including the Premier League on five occasions and the Champions League twice.

But the current sanctions against him have stopped him selling Chelsea, and mean the club are unable to buy or sell players, cannot sell any more tickets for games, have had their bank accounts suspended and have had to close the club shop.

The government said it would issue a special licence that allowed fixtures to be fulfilled, staff to be paid and existing ticket holders to attend matches, although the club's wage bill stands at £28m a month.

It seemed fitting that Newcastle, another side with hugely controversial owners following their takeover in October by the Saudi Arabian-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), were Chelsea's opponents on a day when events off the field were talked about as much as those on it.

Newcastle's takeover and the potential huge investment into the club was celebrated by their fans a few months ago, although Amnesty International said "it represented a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football".

Plenty of positives for Newcastle

Despite the late defeat, this was another sign of the progress Newcastle are making on the pitch. There was plenty for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to be positive about given his side were only a few minutes away from securing a point away at the current European and world champions.

Arriving at a club without a league win and with only six points from 12 matches, he began with five defeats in his first eight games in all competitions, including a humiliating home loss to third-tier Cambridge United in the FA Cup third round.

But, after spending £80m in the January transfer window, the Magpies had been on a run of eight games unbeaten, including six victories, before this narrow loss.

The visitors had defended superbly up until Jorginho's excellent ball over the defence found Havertz, who showed his class to control it and then score the winner to delight the packed crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Howe said he thought Havertz could have been sent off but was also disappointed his side did not get a second-half penalty when Trevoh Chalobah had a hold of Jacob Murphy's shirt.
 
<b>Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel vows to fight for staff as uncertainty continues at Stamford Bridge</b>

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said he and his players have a responsibility to fight for everybody at the club after insisting he will stay at Chelsea at least "until the end of the season".

In their first home game since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned and disqualified as a director of the club, Chelsea snatched a dramatic late win over Newcastle.

On the same day Chelsea Women secured a stoppage-time win over Aston Villa, and boss Emma Hayes said she is not worried about the place of the women's team.

But technical advisor Petr Cech says the club is taking things "day by day" amid ongoing restrictions.

After Kai Havertz's 88th-minute winner at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel assured fans he would not leave them in the lurch.

He said: "There's no doubt I stay until the end of the season. We just have to wait day by day because everything can change.

"This result has a huge impact on us, to give this pleasure to our fans means a lot. It changes everything.

"We are aware how privileged we are. This is a huge club, we are in the focus, but we are very privileged.

"Hundreds of people in this club are not so privileged, maybe face a more existential threat and are more worried about their future than us.

"This gives us a responsibility to fight for them, keep their heads up high and not give in. This is what we can do and this is what they demand from us."

Speaking before Sunday's game, former goalkeeper Cech also expressed concerns for staff at the club whose livelihoods are at risk with the future looking uncertain.

He said: "We have a lot of questions but not many answers.

"We hope the people working for the club will be able to get their salaries and live their lives, and hopefully work. But this is a difficult question for me to answer as I don't know what the licence will be like in days.

"That's why conversations are going on. We would like to know how we operate and what we can do with the team going forward. Without these answers, it's difficult to plan. We go day by day and we need to do it this way at the moment."

Chelsea's credit card facilities have been temporarily suspended while banks assess the implications of sanctions imposed on Abramovich, but the club has been given a special licence to operate despite the Russian billionaire's assets being frozen.

With uncertainty surrounding all aspects of the club, boss Emma Hayes says she isn't worried that the women's team will be overlooked.

She said: "I know our place within that club, I know our importance. I don't want any of us to be punished or vilified. At the end of the day Chelsea football club is important to the football community.

"I'm not worried about us, we're a valuable asset to the football club and I know that internally and I don't expect that to change.

"We have to stick together. Everybody is against us right now. And that is giving us strength; everybody contributed to that win today."

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The concern is for the future of Chelsea and that is miles down the list to what is happening to the people of Ukraine.

"I have a feeling Chelsea will survive well but not in the shape it has been for 19 years. Maybe a year down the line Chelsea will be a little bit happier, maybe not winning as many trophies, but maybe a little bit happier.

"I said the league cup final might be the last time I ever see Chelsea in a major final.

"Instead of fearing change, there will come a time when people need to embrace it. The hope for Chelsea fans is to get it done as quickly as possible.

"The reason why clubs fold is always the same: cashflow. That is Chelsea's biggest fear - that needs to get sorted out. Everything else will get sorted out in the end."


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60730591
 
Thomas Tuchel reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea after his side's 1-0 win over Newcastle - and even offered to drive his players to Lille for Wednesday's Champions League tie.

At the end of a dramatic week for the club, which saw owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned by the UK government on Thursday and then struck off as a director by the Premier League on Saturday, Chelsea grabbed a last-gasp win over Newcastle, with Kai Havertz brilliantly converting in the 89th minute.

Despite all the off-field concerns and distractions, Chelsea have now won five in a row in the Premier League to strengthen their hold on third.

Tuchel was asked about his future in his post-match press conference and, after insisting he would remain with the club, he explained how a day-by-day approach is allowing his coaching staff and players to focus on their performances.

"For sure, there's no doubt I stay until the end of the season," he said. "Absolutely.
 
Nick Candy wants 'fan representative' on Chelsea board if sale succeeds and offers short-term cash injection

The property developer Nick Candy has promised to give Chelsea fans a seat on its board if his bid to buy the Stamford Bridge club is successful.

Candy's declaration comes against a backdrop of senior executives at Chelsea trying to work out how the club can sustain itself financially if it is not sold as quickly as possible.

The investment bank handling the sale of the club has asked for best bids to be submitted by Friday.

The UK Government is committed to keeping Chelsea in business and is overseeing the sale - it regards Chelsea as a "significant cultural asset" which needs to be protected.

Candy is in talks with financiers about joining his bid ahead of the deadline, and is also offering to provide short-term funding to Chelsea if it faces a cash crunch following the sanctioning of owner Roman Abramovich. Sanctioning Abramovich has also been discussed by the European Union during talks in Brussels.

EU ambassadors met for talks in Brussels about sanctioning more Russian businessmen because of their links to Vladimir Putin. Abramovich is one of 15 names under consideration. Alisher Usmanov, who has commercial ties with Everton, was sanctioned by the EU earlier this month.

Candy's offer for Chelsea would be subject to compliance with the strict conditions imposed by the government as part of the licence granted last week that enables the club to continue operating.

Last season's Champions League winners have been thrown into disarray by Russia's war on Ukraine, with Mr Abramovich initially proposing to place the club in the care of its foundation and then formally putting it up for sale.

"I've supported Chelsea since I was the age of four," Mr Candy told Sky Sports. "My dad was asked to play for Chelsea. I love Chelsea.

"I don't mind where it ends up, even if it's not with me, as long as it's in safe hands.

"One hundred per cent [the fans need to be included in ownership] and they should be involved. Both on the board and economically."

The proposal to offer Chelsea fans a board seat reflects a belief on Mr Candy's part that supporters should have a meaningful say over the running of one of the world's biggest clubs.

His pledge comes as the government prepares to respond to a review of football governance published by Tracey Crouch, the former sports minister, earlier this year.

Among Ms Crouch's central recommendations were for a 'golden share' in clubs that would protect key aspects of their heritage.

A spokesperson for Nick Candy told Sky News on Sunday: "We welcome the news that the sale of the club will be conducted quickly.

"This is a reassuring development for fans after a week of great uncertainty.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...succeeds-and-offers-short-term-cash-injection
 
Chelsea fans hypocritical over my Thomas Tuchel-Man Utd comment, says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has hit back at what he believes is the 'hypocrisy' of Chelsea fans unhappy with his suggestion Manchester United should target Thomas Tuchel.

Responding to the news that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had been sanctioned, plunging the Stamford Bridge club into turmoil, Carragher argued United should seek to take advantage by pursuing Tuchel as their next manager.

"It's fair to say that l had a few heated discussions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday [when Sky Sports covered their match with Newcastle]," said Carragher on Monday Night Football.

"The Chelsea fans are very passionate about their club and at this moment feel like the world is attacking them, and they are defending their club. I totally get that. But l wouldn't change my opinion on it.

"And the reason l think it's a little bit hypocritical of Chelsea supporters is because if teams - such as Manchester United with the manager, or other clubs with the players - are going to take advantage of the situation that Chelsea are in right now, Chelsea have been doing that for 20 years.

"That was the big thing of Roman Abramovich coming - 'we can throw our money about and get who we want'.

"The first thing they did was go to Manchester United and take Peter Kenyon as their CEO. 'We'll go to Liverpool and take the best midfielder in Europe and destabilise that club for two summers' - they didn't get him. 'We'll get Ashley Cole, an Invincible who has won everything at Arsenal. Yeah, we'll go and get him. We get caught tapping up? Doesn't matter, we'll pay the fine'.

"England, flying at the time with Sven-Goran Eriksson. 'England manager? No, we want him as Chelsea manager. Don't worry about what he's doing with the FA, we want him and we'll pay the fine'.

"Chelsea have taken advantage of every other club in the last 20 years because of Roman Abramovich.

"So if l give an opinion on someone taking advantage of them, that is just a way of life. That's the way it may be for Chelsea and you have to accept that.

"Some of the things we've seen at Chelsea, such as closing the club shop and stopping kids from getting Mason Mount on the back of their shirts, I don't agree with that and I certainly don't want Chelsea to go to the wall.

"But, if that's my opinion of it, I certainly don't want Chelsea fans questioning that opinion next time I go there because it's exactly what they have done for the last 20 years."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ea-situation-a-wake-up-call-says-gary-neville
 
Chelsea forward Kai Havertz says he would pay for travel to away games if required.

The club have been given a special licence to operate despite Roman Abramovich having his assets frozen by the UK government.
 
<b>Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family and billionaire hedge-fund tycoon Ken Griffin will table a bid for Chelsea; parties are interested in working with Nick Candy due to his knowledge of developing property in central London.</b>

Rival bidders for Chelsea are joining together to form 'super consortiums' as the race for the club intensifies ahead of Friday's deadline.

While Sky News are reporting that the Ricketts family, who own American baseball team the Chicago Cubs, and billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin have joined forces and will lodge a formal offer on Friday.

Sky Sports News also understands that various parties are interested in working with Nick Candy.

Candy has the funds and backers in place to make an offer for Chelsea this week. He has promised to give Chelsea fans a seat on its board if his bid to buy the Stamford Bridge club is successful.

Other bidders are particularly keen to team up with him because he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and because of his background in developing property in central London.

Candy also held talks with former Liverpool and British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton, another lifelong Blues fan, about such such a deal.

In an interview with Sky Sports News before Chelsea's Premier League victory over Newcastle on Sunday, Candy revealed his passion for the club and his desire to become Roman Abramovich's successor, who was sanctioned last week after announcing his desire to sell the Blues.

"I've supported Chelsea since I was the age of four," Mr Candy told Sky Sports. "My dad was asked to play for Chelsea. I love Chelsea. I don't mind where it ends up, even if it's not with me, as long as it's in safe hands.

"One hundred per cent [the fans need to be included in ownership] and they should be involved. Both on the board and economically."

Bids to buy Chelsea have to be in with Raine Group by Friday, but interested parties will have to show proof of funds before they are given access to financial details about Chelsea.

There have been about 200 expressions of interest but many are not believed to be serious contenders.

The Saudi Media Group are reported to have made a bid but any deal linked to Saudi Arabia would be difficult to complete.

The UK Government have suggested to Chelsea they could start selling match tickets through a third party organisation to get past the sanctions placed on owner Abramovich.

The Blues cannot sell any more tickets to their fans - nor release any away tickets to visiting fans for Stamford Bridge games - under the licence handed to the Russian owner and the club last week.

Chelsea requested this weekend's FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough be played behind closed doors as the lack of Blues away fans there would damage the "sporting integrity" of the fixture and the competition. However, the west London club revoked that request after strong backlash from the football community.

However, the government want to let Chelsea start selling tickets again as soon as possible and one of the proposals they are working on is to hand over responsibility for selling tickets to a third party.

A third party would oversee the distribution of tickets to ensure that Roman Abramovich was not benefiting from the proceeds in any way.

On Tuesday, the European Union imposed sanctions on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in new measures targeting Russia.

The EU included the Russian oligarch in its updated list of individuals facing assets freeze and travel bans due to his close links to Vladimir Putin.

As it stands, Chelsea's Champions League last-16 second leg at Lille is going ahead as scheduled on Wednesday, with talks continuing between UEFA and the EU.

A UEFA statement read: "UEFA is fully committed to always implementing relevant EU and international sanctions. Our understanding is that the present case is assessed in the context of the licence issued in the UK which allows Chelsea FC to continue minimum football activity whilst providing a safeguard that no financial gain will result for Mr Abramovich.

"We will work with the EU and relevant member states to ensure we have full clarity and remain in lockstep with all relevant and applicable measures in line with latest developments."

The Premier League also revealed on Tuesday their intention to introduce a new independent panel to scrutinise the ownership and sale of clubs - but not before Abramovich is expected to complete the sale of Chelsea.

SKY
 
Just when Thomas Tuchel takes one big step forward on the pitch with Chelsea the turmoil around the club bites again.

No sooner had his side clinched a 4-1 aggregate victory against Lille last night in the Champion's League, manager Tuchel was told by a Sky Sports reporter about UEFA's plan to ban Chelsea fans from attending the quarter final at Stamford Bridge due to new EU sanctions on Roman Abramovich.

"Thanks for ruining my evening," Tuchel replied with a smile on his face, he was clearly hearing the news for the first time.

"I was in such a good mood," he joked.

Around 2,600 Chelsea fans travelled to northern France to see Tuchel's side carry on winning despite the unprecedented restrictions the club is now under from both the UK government and now the European Union.

Both have clearly laid out Roman Abramovich's close ties to President Putin as the reasons for placing the club into such special measures.

Ukraine war news live: Putin's invasion 'has largely stalled on all fronts', Western intelligence says - as fourth Russian general killed

A satellite image shows the word 'children' written in Russian before the attack. Pic: Maxar
Ukraine war: 'We will never forgive this' - Bombed Mariupol theatre sheltering a thousand people had 'children' written on ground outside

Everyone at Chelsea is learning to operate under their special licence that simply allows the football club to function - not to make money from things like ticket or merchandise sales.

While many fans have voiced their anger about the punishments and defiantly chanted Abramovich's name in the stands there are also fans who do accept them.

In one of the bars in central Lille, Chelsea fan Harry told Sky News: "I personally don't have a problem with the sanctions, I think they're the right thing to do in this moment, I hope it becomes a wider look at how the government look at money coming into England."

His brother George said: "Chelsea fans are not the victims here, the Ukrainian people are. But I think there is a sense of grievance among some fans because it feels a bit like well why did we turn a blind eye to some of the other things."

The Saudi takeover at Newcastle United is the prime example they point to. Chelsea fans don't all agree on what's happening at their club but there is certainly something of a consensus that they shouldn't be the only ones being punished.

Season ticket holder Bob Woods from Mitcham went to his first game in 1953. He told Sky News outside the ground in Lille: "I have seen the bad times, I have had 20 years of good times and lots of trophies and if we go back to the bad times so be it.

"We want to keep the man though, Tuchel, he's the best one (manager) I have ever seen, he talks a good talk, he doesn't shirk it."

He doesn't. Tuchel has certainly done himself no harm these past few weeks, adeptly dealing with the difficult questions - being honest and transparent.

With a winning team to prepare he can be forgiven for not being across every single development.

SKY
 
Investment firm Aethel Partners are the latest group to say they have bid for Chelsea before the Friday deadline.

Headed by Portuguese entrepreneur Ricardo Silva, the London firm is pledging to put in £50m immediately.

That will serve as bridging funding to help ease financial issues the club faces and to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

Several parties have already expressed their interest in buying the Premier League club from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

His attempt to sell Chelsea has been halted after he was sanctioned by the UK government.

That move came in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Abramovich understood to have strong ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, American PR executive Barbara Charone and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein have teamed up with the Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly bid to buy Chelsea.

Charone is a heavyweight within the music industry, having worked with the likes of Madonna, Rod Stewart and Depeche Mode.

She has been a Chelsea season-ticket holder since 1981.

Finkelstein is also a prominent lifelong Chelsea fan. He was executive editor of The Times and became a member of the House of Lords in 2013.

The bid believes having two such prominent match-going Chelsea figures as part of their team provides an authenticity before Friday's deadline for bids to be received.

More than 20 credible parties are interested in buying the Premier League club.

British businessman Nick Candy said earlier this month he was exploring "a number of options for a potential bid".

Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli, who co-owns Tifosy, a mergers and acquisitions company for the football sector, announced on Wednesday that he is working with Candy on his bid.

The Ricketts family, who own Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs, also said they are leading a bid from a group of investors, while London Olympics chief Coe joined ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton's bid.

Abramovich had his British assets, which includes Chelsea, frozen last week and was disqualified as a director of the club.

The Blues are allowed to continue operating after a special licence was issued by the UK government,

This also ensures Chelsea's staff are paid and allows existing season ticket holders to attend matches, but a new licence will need to be issued for the club to be sold.

Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003, with the club winning 21 trophies during his tenure.

Who else has announced their bid to buy Chelsea?

Only some of the interested parties or bidders have come forward so far:

Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US businessman Todd Boehly have formed part of a consortium to try to take over Chelsea.

Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick that he had been offered the chance to buy the club.

The 86-year-old is worth an estimated £3.9bn.

Boehly, who is a part owner of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, was previously linked with a takeover of Chelsea in 2019.

Muhsin Bayrak

Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak says he is one of those to have launched a bid to buy the club, adding "we will fly the Turkish flag in London soon".

Bayrak is chairman of AB Grup Holding, which he founded in 1999, and has investments in crypto currency, construction, tourism and energy sectors.

Sources close to Bayrak told BBC Sport he is determined to buy Chelsea and his lawyer was set to be in London for talks last week.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60785496
 
Chelsea: Multiple bids lodged to buy Premier League club

The Ricketts family, who own Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs, a consortium featuring Lord Coe and another group led by British property investor Nick Candy have all submitted offers to buy Chelsea.

A deadline for bids was set for 21:00 GMT on Friday after the Premier League club had been put up for sale by Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea fan Candy said that he had secured additional investment from South Korea and that his bid is "over £2bn".

Abramovich's attempt to sell the club was halted after he was sanctioned by the UK government and his assets, including Chelsea, were frozen.

That move came in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Abramovich understood to have strong ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

American investment firm Raine Group has been tasked with selling Chelsea and the UK government is expected to issue a new licence, allowing the club to be sold, once a preferred buyer had been highlighted.

Although the official deadline to purchase the west London Premier League club was 21:00 GMT on Friday, some final bids are likely to be submitted into the weekend.

There are still more than 20 interested parties, but the number of confirmed bids is likely to be 10 to 15.

Chelsea and Raine Group will make a shortlist next week, with the preferred bidder then requiring government approval, which will involve proving the source of funds and where the money goes next.

Any sale will also need to be signed off by the Premier League's owners' and directors' test - known as the 'fit and proper person's test'.

One of the bids was submitted by a consortium led by ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Coe.

"I remain the only person [in the bidding process] to have effected a change of ownership at a major football club in a similar situation, which I did at Liverpool 12 years ago," Broughton, who is also a former British Airways chairman, said.

"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."

The consortium said fans would be "at the heart of decision making" if the bid was successful and it would "guarantee the club is never beholden to a single individual or sovereign wealth fund".

A spokesperson for Candy's Blue Football Consortium said: "I can confirm that the two South Korean firms Hana Financial Group and C&P Sports Group are a significant part of Mr Candy's global consortium of investors.

"Their involvement is representative of Chelsea's global brand and huge loyal fanbase in Asia."

Candy added: "Football clubs are vitally important community and cultural assets, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give football back to the fans and put them at the heart of the operations and strategy of a leading global football club."

The bid from the Ricketts family is backed by billionaire hedge fund entrepreneur Ken Griffin.

Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak, who had previously expressed an interest in the club, said late on Friday that his company AB Group Holding had not filed a bid.

Bayrak attributed AB Group's failure to meet the deadline to a misunderstanding with his lawyers over the auction procedure, telling news agency Reuters that he was "very upset" by the situation.

Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 for £140m but in his statement announcing his intention to sell he said his ownership had "never been about business nor money, but about pure passion for the game and club".

He values the club at £3bn and has loaned the club £1.5bn - but said he will not ask for any loans to be repaid. Abramovich has also said proceeds of the sale would be donated to war victims.

The funds from the sale could go to a charitable organisation or into a frozen account.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60800380
 
Lukaku helps Chelsea reach FA Cup semi-finals

Romelu Lukaku scored his 12th goal of the season as Chelsea beat Championship side Middlesbrough to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Middlesbrough had knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham on their way to the quarter-finals but their hopes of claiming another Premier League victim were dealt an early blow when Lukaku tapped in from Mason Mount's cross after a quick Chelsea counter.

Hakim Ziyech made it 2-0 midway through the first half with a superb dipping effort from the edge of the box before Lukaku was denied a second when Anfernee Dijksteel cleared off the line.

Middlesbrough showed plenty of endeavour in the second half as they looked to mount an unlikely comeback, with Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun shooting wide after a promising counter, while Duncan Watmore also sent an effort over the bar from a good position.

However, Chelsea could have grabbed a late third when substitute Timo Werner met a free-kick but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Joe Lumley did well to palm away.

Chelsea will find out who they will play in the semi-finals, which will be played at Wembley on 16 and 17 April, when the draw is made before Sunday's quarter-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool (18:00 GMT).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60698095
 
Global investment firm Centricus is funding another British bid to buy Chelsea, saying it wants to "maintain and support existing management".

The Premier League club was put up for sale by Russian owner Roman Abramovich before he was sanctioned following his country's invasion of Ukraine.

This latest bid, backed by Centricus - which has £29bn in assets - features several Chelsea season-ticket holders.

At least four other consortiums have said they have bid to buy the Blues.

There is a group featuring Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Coe, and one headed by British property investor Nick Candy.

United States interest comes from the Ricketts family, while a group consisting of Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly has also bid.

There are also reports that a bid from Saudi Media Group has been lodged, with the American investment firm Raine Group handling the sale.

It is understood that those bidding will be whittled down to a short list this week with a sale expected before the end of the month.

Centricus co-founder Nizar Al-Bassam and chief executive Garth Ritchie are heading the bid, which also includes hedge fund manager Jonathan Lourie of Cheyne Capital and Bob Finch of Talis Capital.

In a statement, the group said it "will be committed to supporting [Chelsea] and its key stakeholders to ensure its continued success".

It added: "Our financing for the deal includes funding for the completion of the transaction and funding for working capital required for the day-to-day operations of the CFC Group, funds required to maintain an elite global brand, investment in grassroots and in-community football initiatives such as the Chelsea Academy, the Women's Team, the Youth Development Program and the Chelsea Foundation and strategic real estate investment.

"The intention is to maintain and support existing management on both the business and sporting operations of the CFC Group. We intend to maintain the existing strategy direction.

"Clearly, the CFC Group has been operating in challenging conditions and we appreciate the importance for the CFC Group, the fans and other key stakeholders of ensuring a smooth and stable ownership transition.

"During this transition period and thereafter, we will ensure that we have frequent and open dialogue with all key stakeholders which underpins our long-term commitment to the CFC Group and its continued future success.

"If our offer is successful, Centricus would be focused on ensuring that the CFC Group continues to achieve sporting excellence, high level of community support, transparent governance, financial sustainability, fan engagement and exemplary custodianship."

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has also lent his support to a group which wants to buy 10% of the club "to make sure whoever buys Chelsea is held accountable by fans."

The True Blues consortium is being advised by Oakvale Capital and has support from Chelsea Supporters Trust, Chelsea Pitch Owners and former Chelsea and England full-back Claire Rafferty.

Terry said: "Chelsea has been such an important part of my life for 22 years. I want to see the club's history and heritage protected as we go into a new era with like-minded people who have the same long-term vision of building the best football club in the world and understand how important our DNA is."

BBC
 
FA 'working with the government' to let Chelsea fans attend cup semi-final despite sanctions


An influential MP says it is "ridiculous" that Wembley could be half-empty for the showpiece occasion next month.


Chelsea fans in the away stand during the Emirates FA Cup quarter final match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture date: Saturday March 19, 2022.

The Football Association has said it is working on a way of allowing Chelsea fans to buy tickets for the club's FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley despite sanctions against its Russian owner.

Chelsea has been told it cannot sell new tickets and merchandise from its store after restrictions were imposed by the government on Roman Abramovich over his links to Vladimir Putin's regime.

But Julian Knight, chairman of the digital, culture, media and sport select committee, said it was "ridiculous" that Wembley would be half-full for the showpiece occasion next month.

Chelsea were facing the prospect of facing Crystal Palace next month with none of their fans present in the 90,000 capacity stadium.

But the FA later said in a statement that it was now hoping for a sell-out crowds.

"We are working with the government on a method to achieve this whilst respecting the sanctions that are currently in place on Chelsea."

Chelsea requested prior to the game that it should be played behind closed doors in the interests of "sporting integrity" - a request that was withdrawn after intense criticism.

Mr Abramovich is now trying to sell Chelsea in what has become a fiercely-contested auction including bidders such as London-based property developer Nick Candy and a consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly.

The club's sale is being overseen by US bank Raine Group which is currently attempting to narrow down the list of more than a dozen bidders to two or three.

A decision on that shortlist is expected either on Monday evening or early on Tuesday and the process to sell the club is likely to take at least another month

https://news.sky.com/story/fa-worki...end-cup-semi-final-despite-sanctions-12572301
 
Chelsea sale: Ricketts family fly to London as race to buy the Blues hots up

The Ricketts family are flying to London to meet key stakeholders of Chelsea as they wait to discover if they are on the shortlist of preferred bidders for the club.

The race to buy Chelsea is hotting up with the Raine Group meeting now to create a shortlist of the best-placed groups to take control of the club, with an announcement expected imminently and ownership of the Premier League club to change hands within a month.

Sky Sports News understands the purpose of the Ricketts' trip is to meet key stakeholders of the club, including the Chelsea Supporters' Trust and the Chelsea Pitch Owners.

However, the family have faced backlash from the head of the Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club, Brian Wolff, who posted a letter to Twitter on Monday opposing the Ricketts' potential takeover of Chelsea.

He wrote: "As the head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club, and the Chelsea Fans' Forum Overseas Representative, I've had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family's bid for Chelsea. I can report the vast majority of opinion has been universal disdain.

"The Ricketts' political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with the 19 years of fantastic work done by the Club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a Living Wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.

"Their ownership of the Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the Club's success on the pitch, and also the continued existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge as our forever home.

"On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure but equally important - the investment in supporters and the values which we hold dear.

"If not, I fear many Chelsea supporters WILL 'be booing in a year'."

The last line refers to an incident in January 2020 when Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts was booed by fans as he unveiled a new network dedicated to the baseball club over what was seen as a lack of activity during the offseason.

Former Chelsea winger Paul Canoville tweeted later on Tuesday that he was against the Ricketts family owning the club, instead showing his support for the Chelsea Supporters Trust.

Meanwhile, Tom Ricketts also had a telephone conversation with Conservative MP for Chelsea Greg Hands on Monday before heading over to the UK.

The Ricketts family are one of several interested parties from America in the Chelsea bidding process. The Chicago Cubs owners are backed by billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who is the most valuable individual associated with Chelsea bidding process.

The family are joined in the race by a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, with that group representing another American powerhouse in the race.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ly-to-london-as-race-to-buy-the-blues-hots-up
 
Chelsea: Club allowed to sell tickets after government alters licence

Chelsea will be allowed to sell tickets to away games, cup matches and fixtures involving the women's team after the UK government made alterations to the club's special licence.

The club have been unable to sell tickets since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Under the changed licence, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League and then be distributed to the relevant party.

The move means Chelsea will be able to sell tickets for their home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on 6 April and the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on the weekend of 16 April against Crystal Palace.

Away fans can buy tickets for Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, with revenue going to the Premier League.

Chelsea's next Women's Super League game is on 3 April at Kingsmeadow against Reading.

Chelsea have requested that any money generated by ticket sales, which the club would have usually received, be donated to victims of the war in Ukraine and the Premier League said that "beneficiary charities will be announced in due course after consultation with the club".

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: "I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible.

"Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK's sanctions list for his links to [Russian president] Vladimir Putin we have worked extensively to ensure the club can continue to play football while ensuring the sanctions regime continues to be enforced."

While only Chelsea season-ticket holders and those fans who bought tickets before the sanctions can attend Premier League home games, the government said an exception had been made for the WSL as "there is a risk of empty stands for these matches".

Ricketts family offers to meet Chelsea fans over bid
Chelsea fans can purchase tickets for future Premier League away fixtures, with any revenue going to the host team.

Ticket sales from FA Cup and Champions League matches will go "via the Premier League to the relevant competition organiser or home club rather than Chelsea FC in order to remain compliant with current sanctions".

Chelsea face Arsenal away in the Women's FA Cup semi-final on 17 April and their ticket sales for that competition will go to the Football Association.

The government's sanctions were intended to prevent Russian businessman Abramovich from making any money from Chelsea and his attempt to sell the Premier League club was halted when his assets were frozen.

Abramovich put the club up for sale on 2 March, five days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60853090
 
Chelsea: Saudi Media Group not on shortlist to buy Premier League club

Saudi Media Group has not made a shortlist of consortiums aiming to buy Chelsea.

Fronted by Chelsea fan Mohamed Al Khereiji, it was one of six groups who said it had lodged a bid to buy the Premier League club last week.

Sources close to the SMG bid said its desire to do due diligence on the club and Chelsea's eagerness for a quick sale counted against it.

SMG offered more than £2bn, plus over £200m for immediate working capital.

It was informed it had not made the next stage on Thursday.

Some of the other bids have already done due diligence based on their previous interest in buying the club.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60869055
 
The remaining contenders to buy Chelsea FC have been told they must commit at least £1bn to future investment in the club if they are to succeed in the battle to end Roman Abramovich's two-decade tenure as owner of last season's Champions League-winners.

Sky News can exclusively reveal that the quartet of bidders which were this week approved by bankers to proceed to formal offers will have to give contractual guarantees that at least £1bn of additional funding will be available for the Blues' Stamford Bridge stadium, playing squad and other areas of development.

The disclosure comes as Sky News has also learnt that a so-called 'blank cheque' vehicle set up by one of the world's most powerful media tycoons also tabled a proposal to merge with Chelsea this month.

City sources said that Liberty Media Acquisition Corp (LMAC), a New York-listed special purpose acquisition company - or SPAC - was among the parties which was eliminated from the auction, largely because of the complexity of finalising a deal on a timetable which was truncated by Mr Abramovich's sanctioning.

Mr Malone, who has placed huge bets on sports by engineering the takeovers of Formula One motor racing and the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team, is said to have lodged a credible offer for Chelsea.

Had it been successful, it would have seen Chelsea join Manchester United as a US-listed company.

SPAC mergers typically take months to finalise and often involve a degree of uncertainty because of the need to raise additional financing from investors.

LMAC's involvement in the auction, which has not previously been reported, further underlines the international frenzy of bidding for Chelsea which erupted in the space of little more than a fortnight.

File photo dated 18-05-2021 of Chelsea fans in the stands stands during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government, freezing the Russian-Israeli billionaire’s planned sale of Chelsea.Chelsea will be given a special licence to continue operation, but the sale of the Stamford Bridge club is now on hold. Issue date: Thursday March 10, 2022.

The insistence that bidders earmark at least £1bn for investment in the club is likely to go some way to reassuring supporters that its new owner will continue to back it with the kind of significant financial resource they have become accustomed to under the Russian-born businessman.

All four of the remaining bidders have significant experience in sports stadium infrastructure, a key consideration given Chelsea's long-standing dilemma about the expansion of Stamford Bridge, which has a capacity barely half that of Manchester United's Old Trafford home.

The quartet of contenders includes investors from around the world, with a bias towards American billionaires who already have experience of owning elite sports franchises.

Between them, the final bidders either control or own stakes in US teams including the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, the LA Dodgers, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings.

Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, and Lord Coe, the former British Olympian turned sports administrator and businessman, are fronting a bid that has the financial firepower of Josh Harris and Dave Blitzer, two wealthy American financiers.

That consortium also includes Vivek Ranadive, an Indian-born entrepreneur, and a syndicate of other investors from around the world whose identities are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Another of the leading contenders is headed by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers part-owner, and includes Jonathan Goldstein, the London-based property developer, and Clearlake Capital, a US-based investment firm.

Mr Boehly's bid is being advised by Goldman Sachs.

A third group comprises the Ricketts family, which owns the Chicago Cubs, and the Citadel hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, with the US investment bank Lazard in talks to advise it.

Tom Ricketts, the Cubs chairman, flew to London this week to address concerns raised by fans' groups about Islamophobic remarks made by his father, Joe, a decade ago.

People close to the bid have insisted that Joe Ricketts has no involvement in it, and have pointed to the family's successful ownership of the team, having won the World Series for the first time in a century and completed a $1bn renovation of its home, Wrigley Field - one of the most historic sports arenas in the US.

The other remaining contender for Chelsea is a bid spearheaded by Stephen Pagliuca, an American private equity billionaire who owns the Boston Celtics and Atalanta in Italy's Serie A.

The next deadline to be set by Raine Group, the US merchant bank handling Chelsea's sale, is expected to be set just days before the Blues play fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace - which is currently part-owned by Mr Harris and Mr Blitzer - in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Sky News has revealed the existence of three of the four remaining bids, as well as details of the other consortium, in recent weeks.

Sources said that Raine would assess the four bids against a set of criteria including the level of equity and debt funding; price; future investment commitments; speed and certainty of execution; and the claims each party has to being an appropriate steward of a prestigious sporting brand.

Among the bidders who were eliminated from the process this week were offers fronted by the London-based property developer and lifelong Chelsea fan Nick Candy; the former US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson; Centricus, an asset manager; and Saudi Media Group, whose bid is said to have been largely debt-financed.

Raine is expected to set a deadline for a second round of bids by mid-April, after which it anticipates signing a formal deal and approaching the government for a special licence to approve the transaction by the end of next month.

Bidders and bankers also dismissed suggestions that some parties were frustrated by the pace of the transaction's progress.

By the standards of conventional takeover processes, the Chelsea auction has moved at breakneck speed, with executives at other major investment banks suggesting that such a complex sale would typically have taken at least six months.

Mr Abramovich's sanctioning by the UK government has added further complications to the transaction, as bidders have sought clarity on the legal implications of buying the club.

Sources also pointed out that further bidders had continued to emerge even in the last week, requiring Raine to evaluate their seriousness.

Some fan groups have questioned the absence of a wealthy British businessman from the process, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos tycoon who is now based in Monaco, did express an interest before deciding not to lodge a formal offer, according to insiders.

A number of the remaining bidders are expected to make further refinements to the composition of their bids in the next fortnight.

The auction of Chelsea has become the most hotly contested - and potentially the richest - sale of a leading sports franchise in history, with hundreds of parties expressing an initial interest in buying a share of the club or controlling it outright.

The cluster of American sports billionaires circling Chelsea underlines the extent to which the English Premier League has become a magnet for financiers from across the Atlantic, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all having been acquired by US-based businessmen.

Prior to being sanctioned, Mr Abramovich had said he intended to write off a £1.5bn loan to the club and hand the net proceeds from the sale to a new charity that he would set up to benefit the victims of the war in Ukraine.

The Premier League has disqualified Mr Abramovich from being a director of Chelsea, but has said the move would not affect players' ability to train or fulfil the club's fixtures.

Earlier this week, the government agreed to further amend the licence allowing Chelsea to continue operating, with the club now able to resume selling tickets for away matches.

The proceeds are to be retained by the Premier League and earmarked for a Ukrainian war victims charity.

Chelsea can also now receive £30m from the club's parent company to ease cashflow constraints caused by the current crisis.

A rapid sale is seen as essential if Chelsea is to avert the uncertainty that would trigger the break-up of one of the top flight's most valuable playing squads.

The current Fifa Club World Cup-winners have been thrown into disarray by Russia's war on Ukraine, with Mr Abramovich initially proposing to place the club in the care of its foundation and then formally putting it up for sale.

Mr Abramovich had initially slapped a £3bn price tag on the Stamford Bridge outfit, with the net proceeds being donated to a charitable foundation set up to benefit the victims of the war in Ukraine.

As well as government consent in the form of a special licence, Chelsea's new owners will also require the approval of the Premier League under its fit and proper ownership test.

When contacted, Raine dismissed a report in The Daily Telegraph suggesting it was in line to be paid a fee worth 1.5pc of the transaction value, which would have been equivalent to £45m if Chelsea is sold for £3bn.

Bidders are said to have been informed that Raine's fee is substantially lower than that, and is partly contingent upon both the scale of the ensuing proceeds to charity, and the level of guaranteed future investment in Chelsea.

However, Raine declined to comment on any other aspect of the bidding process, while spokespeople for the consortia all refused to comment.

SKY
 
Chelsea: Four contenders given April 11 deadline to submit bids

The four contenders vying to buy Chelsea will submit final bids on April 11, paving the way for a prospective new owner to seek government permission to take over from Roman Abramovich by the end of next month.

Sky News has learnt the remaining contenders have been notified by Raine Group, the merchant bank handling the Blues' sale, that binding offers must be made on or around that date - which falls the day before the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Bidders - who include several US sports franchise-owning billionaires - will have the opportunity to improve their offers from the indicative proposals which saw them make it through to the final stages of one of the most extraordinary corporate auctions of recent times.

The quartet of contenders had been told by Raine on Saturday they must commit at least £1bn to future investment in the club if they are to succeed in the battle to end Abramovich's two-decade tenure.

The additional funding must be made available for the Blues' Stamford Bridge stadium, playing squad and other areas of development.

Raine's insistence on the pool of capital for investment is likely to go some way to reassuring supporters its new owner will continue to back it with the kind of significant financial resource they have become accustomed to under the Russian-born businessman.

All four of the remaining bidders have significant experience in sports stadium infrastructure, a key consideration given Chelsea's long-standing dilemma about the expansion of Stamford Bridge, which has a capacity barely half that of Manchester United's Old Trafford home.

Between them, the final bidders either control or own stakes in US teams including the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, the LA Dodgers, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings.

Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, and Lord Coe, the former British Olympian turned sports administrator and businessman, are fronting a bid that has the financial firepower of Josh Harris and Dave Blitzer, two wealthy American financiers.

That consortium also includes Vivek Ranadive, an Indian-born entrepreneur, and a syndicate of other investors from around the world whose identities are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Another of the leading contenders is headed by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers part-owner, and includes Jonathan Goldstein, the London-based property developer, and Clearlake Capital, a US-based investment firm.

A third group comprises the Ricketts family, which owns the Chicago Cubs, and the Citadel hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, with the US investment bank Lazard in talks to advise it.

Tom Ricketts, the Cubs chairman, flew to London last week to address concerns raised by fans' groups about Islamophobic remarks made by his father, Joe, a decade ago.

People close to the bid have insisted Joe Ricketts has no involvement in it, and have pointed to the family's successful ownership of the team, having won the World Series for the first time in a century and completed a $1bn (£760m) renovation of its home, Wrigley Field - one of the most historic sports arenas in the US.

The other remaining contender for Chelsea is a bid spearheaded by Stephen Pagliuca, an American private equity billionaire who owns the Boston Celtics and Atalanta in Italy's Serie A.

Read more: https://www.skysports.com/football/...enders-given-april-11-deadline-to-submit-bids
 
Chelsea takeover: Preferred bid to be presented to government, Premier League on April 18

The preferred bid for Chelsea will be presented to the government and the Premier League on April 18, meaning a change of ownership at the club could take place by the end of next month.

Sky News has learnt a letter sent to the four remaining contenders to buy Chelsea over the weekend indicates the government will be approached to issue a licence enabling the sale during the week of April 18.

The additional detail underlines the speed at which Raine Group, the merchant bank overseeing the sale process, is conducting one of the most hotly contested corporate auctions in sporting history.

Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, has publicly indicated it will examine a preferred bidder under its owners' and directors' test as speedily as possible, citing a previous club takeover that was approved within 10 days.

In recent weeks, Sky News has exclusively revealed a series of key details of the Chelsea sale process as Roman Abramovich relinquishes control of the club he has owned since 2003.

At the weekend, it emerged the quartet of bidders had been handed a deadline of April 11 - the day before the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

They have been told by Raine they must commit at least £1bn to future investment in the club if they are to succeed in the battle to end Abramovich's tenure.

The additional funding must be made available for the Blues' Stamford Bridge stadium, playing squad and other areas of development.

Raine's insistence on the pool of capital for investment is likely to go some way to reassuring supporters its new owner will continue to back it with the kind of significant financial resource they have become accustomed to under the Russian-born businessman.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...nted-to-government-premier-league-on-april-18
 
<b>Roman Abramovich sanctions: Chelsea can't be 'business as usual' - Nigel Huddleston</b>

Chelsea cannot be allowed to operate as "business as usual" after sanctions were imposed on Roman Abramovich, says Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston.

Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK Government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sales of home tickets and merchandise have been stopped, but the club is allowed to continue to operate.

"We've got to be careful of making sure there isn't any incremental new revenue generation," said Huddleston.

On Tuesday, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) said it believed more changes to the sanctions needed to be made "as not to punish supporters".

The government's intervention was intended to prevent Russian businessman Abramovich from making any money from Chelsea and his attempt to sell the Premier League club was halted.

Abramovich put the club up for sale on 2 March, five days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The initial sanctions - outlined in a special licence which allowed the west London club to operate - prevented any tickets being sold for Chelsea matches.

But changes to the licence last week allowed Chelsea to sell tickets to away games, cup matches and fixtures involving the women's team.

Under the changed licence, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League and then be distributed to the relevant party.

"We have had constant dialogue with Chelsea fans because the whole strategy throughout is to be very, very clear that Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned and that has clearly had implications," Huddleston said on Wednesday.

"I was very honest and open with the Chelsea fans saying 'this will have an impact because he has been sanctioned and he is the owner of the club'.

"We have tried to make reasonable modifications to the licence to enable fans to engage with the club and continue as much as reasonably possible.

"I continue to work with the fans, but I was very clear from day one and it's still the case - this is not business as usual.

"This is a different world because the club's owner has been sanctioned."

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust has asked for supporters to be able to buy tickets for all games this season.

"The CST is deeply disappointed that we are yet to receive a response from Nigel Huddleston, Nadine Dorries [Culture Minister] or the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on important issues - including clarity on ticketing," said the fans' group on Tuesday.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60931486
 
Chelsea takeover: John Terry's True Blues Consortium holds positive talks with leading bidders over stake in the club

The fan-led group co-founded by the former Chelsea captain John Terry that wants to buy a 10 per cent stake in the Premier League club is in "positive" talks with two of the shortlisted bidders, according to the banker advising it.

Sky News understands that the True Blues Consortium has approached three of the four consortia vying to end Roman Abramovich's near-two decade tenure as owner of the Stamford Bridge club.

Sandford Loudon, a partner at Oakvale Capital and True Blues Consortium representative, said on Wednesday that he anticipated sufficient demand to acquire a 10 per cent shareholding in Chelsea if it was sold at a £2.5bn valuation.

"Thousands of supporters and dedicated fans have contributed over £100m to True Blues," Mr Loudon said. "We're having positive discussions with the two leading bidders and the bank in charge of the transaction, and our primary goal is to ensure that Chelsea fans have a voice during these unprecedented times.

"We are defending our valuable club's history and principles and hope that by allowing fans to own a piece of Chelsea FC, this ground-breaking new model will change how football teams are run."

People close to the bidders believe the price could go beyond £2.5bn as the quartet of contenders prepare to lodge their final offers on April 11.

Sky News revealed at the weekend that Raine Group, the bank handling the sale, is aiming to present a preferred bid to the government the following week, paving the way for a sale to take place before the end of next month.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...s-with-leading-bidders-over-stake-in-the-club
 
Chelsea fans protest against Ricketts' bid for club before Brentford clash

Chelsea fans protested against the Ricketts bid before Brentford game; in 2019, leaked emails showed family patriarch Joe Ricketts used Islamophobic language; a Chelsea Supporters' Trust survey says 77 per cent of fans disapprove of bid; family again commits to "diversity and inclusion".

Between 50-100 Chelsea supporters gathered ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Brentford to demonstrate against the Ricketts family's bid to buy Chelsea.

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust said earlier on Saturday its membership "neither supports nor has confidence in" the potential new owners and that 77 per cent of members polled did not support the Ricketts' family bid.

Chelsea Supporters' Trust says fans are being 'punished' over tickets
Preferred Chelsea bid to be presented to government, Premier League on April 18
The family have committed in previous statements to being diverse and inclusive and doubled down on that pledge in a statement on Saturday.

Chelsea fans protest ownership bid of Ricketts family
It said: "Over the past fortnight, our bid team has met with several supporter groups to explain our vision for Chelsea Football Club. In those meetings, and by letter to all groups, we have shared a set of specific commitments we will make to fans, if our bid is successful.

"We believe these are far-reaching and certainly include an absolute commitment on the part of the Ricketts Family and the bid team to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club.

"We look forward to more meetings - including with the Chelsea Supporters' Trust - over the coming days and to making a public reiteration of our values and commitments."

Chelsea fans protest outside the ground against the potential sale of the club to the Ricketts family
The Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts are among the final four bidders aiming to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich. Cubs chiefs and siblings Tom and Laura Ricketts front the family's candidacy to take over at the west London club.

Father Joe Ricketts, who has no role at the Cubs or in the bid to buy Chelsea, used Islamophobic language in emails sent between 2009 and 2013 that were leaked in 2019. The 80-year-old later apologised.

Chelsea fans have voiced concerns consistently on social media, and now the CST has added further weight to those worries.

"At present, it is clear that our membership neither supports nor has confidence in the Ricketts family's bid for the club," read a CST statement. "This is reflective of wider concerns articulated by large, vocal sections of Chelsea's supporter base.

"The CST Board is guided by our membership, and thus we do not currently believe it is in the best interests of our members for the Ricketts family's bid to succeed.

"We await further public detail from the Ricketts family on concrete steps they will take to address the well-documented concerns of Chelsea supporters.

"Should the Ricketts publicly set out clear and detailed plans on how they will address support concerns, we may survey our members again in the next week."

Tom Ricketts has built bridges with the Muslim community in Chicago since his father's emails surfaced in 2019, and continues to apologise for his father's comments.

The Ricketts have been adding advisory partners in fine-tuning their bid ahead of the April 11 deadline for improved offers, but their bid is understood to be funded entirely by cash.

Hedge fund supremo Ken Griffin has added his significant personal financial clout behind the Ricketts' bid for Chelsea.

Blues supporters continue to raise fears over the Ricketts' candidacy to buy the club, however, with those issues crystallised in the CST survey.

"Last week, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust stated that the Ricketts family must urgently and publicly address supporter concerns - especially with regard to inclusivity, given both past and recent statements by members of the family," read the CST statement.

"We also committed to surveying our members as to their confidence and support in the Ricketts family's bid for Chelsea FC.

"Yesterday we conducted a snap survey of our membership. We asked our membership whether, based on information in the public domain as of April 1, they had confidence that the Ricketts family would run an inclusive and successful club, and we asked whether they supported the Ricketts family's bid.

"Our members have given a clear message in this regard: 72 per cent of those who responded do not currently have confidence that the Ricketts family would run an inclusive and successful club, with five per cent of respondents believing they would.

"Similarly, 77 per cent of members who responded do not support the Ricketts family's bid for Chelsea FC and three per cent of respondents are in support.

"It is essential that the new owners of Chelsea FC have the confidence of the supporter base and demonstrate an understanding of the values that we stand for."

Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old was then sanctioned by the UK Government and later the EU, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.

Chelsea have been granted a special Government licence to continue operating, though under strict terms. Abramovich cannot profit from Chelsea's sale, but had already vowed to write off the club's £1.5billion debt.

LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and British business titan Jonathan Goldstein, Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe, the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca are the four remaining contenders.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-ricketts-bid-for-club-before-brentford-clash
 
<I>Southampton 0-6 Chelsea</i>

<b>Chelsea put a terrible week behind them to return to winning ways in devastating style with a six-goal demolition of Southampton.</b>

Having been beaten 4-1 at home to Brentford in the Premier League and then suffering a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid, Chelsea bounced back in a manner that will give Thomas Tuchel encouragement his side can salvage their Champions League tie in Spain next week.

Tuchel said before kick-off that "things are upside down" after two damaging results but his players responded by hitting the woodwork three times and scoring four in an astonishing first half at St Mary's Stadium.

Timo Werner hit the post and then headed against the bar inside the opening seven minutes before Marcos Alonso fired the visitors ahead after Mason Mount's assist.

England midfielder Mount's clean finish from outside the box doubled the lead and then Werner was thwarted by Fraser Forster's fine save as Southampton unravelled in front of their own fans.

Werner was soon celebrating his first Premier League goal for six months after bursting through and finishing before Kai Havertz made it 4-0 with a tap-in after Germany team-mate Werner hit the woodwork for a third time.

Southampton were blown away and it required a remarkable one-handed stop by Forster to prevent an own goal by Mohammed Salisu before half-time.

However, the Saints did concede a fifth in the 49th minute, Werner tapping home his second after N'Golo Kante had been thwarted.

Mount made it six from close range on an embarrassing afternoon for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his Southampton players.


<b>Chelsea restore confidence before Madrid trip</b>

This was Chelsea back to their clinical best as they took the Saints apart in destructive fashion.

Yet Tuchel will be just as pleased with the clean sheet after Chelsea conceded seven times in the previous two games to leave confidence on the floor.

Despite the absence of £97.5m forward Romelu Lukaku because of injury and captain Cesar Azpilicueta after a positive coronavirus test, they got back on track before another big week that will help shape their season.

They face a huge challenge to turn around their Champions League quarter-final with Real in the Bernabeu on Tuesday before heading to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in next Sunday's FA Cup semi-final - their most realistic hope of a trophy as it stands.

Werner could yet play a big part in how Chelsea's season finishes.

Without a Premier League goal since scoring against Southampton last October, he was back to his very best against Saints and should have finished with a hat-trick.

The first of his two goals was magnificent with the former RB Leipzig player having too much pace for the chasing Jan Bednarek before going round Forster and finishing.


<b>Sorry Saints surrender without a fight</b>

This was a sorry performance by Saints on an afternoon which revived painful memories of those two 9-0 defeats against Manchester United in February 2021 and Leicester in October 2019 under Hasenhuttl.

It was far too easy for Chelsea from the opening minute and but for Forster, who produced a string of fine stops as Chelsea peppered his goal with 14 attempts on target, they would have suffered an even more embarrassing defeat.

The Saints fans who stayed to the very end made their feelings known after this utter capitulation signalled a fourth straight home defeat in all competitions.

Fortunately Southampton appear safe in the table. They are 12 points clear of the relegation zone after enjoying several highs this season, including twice coming from behind to win at Tottenham and holding leaders Manchester City home and away.

But this was definitely a day to forget.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60963798
 
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says his side are allowed to "dream" as they try to overturn a two-goal deficit at Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Blues were beaten 3-1 by the Spanish side in the first leg of their quarter-final and travel to the Bernabeu for the return leg on Tuesday.

Chelsea won the competition last season under Tuchel.

"It is one of the biggest challenges to perform away at the Bernabeu," said the German.

"It is even more difficult if you have to earn a certain result, if you need to win with a minimum of two goals or better or maybe a three-goal difference. That makes it almost impossible and very, very difficult, but still it is worth trying.

"We need nothing else than a fantastic script that we want to be able to overcome this."

Team news: Lukaku ruled out of trip to Bernabeu with Achilles injury, Azpilicueta returns
Chelsea knocked Real out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage last season after a 1-1 draw in Spain - in a game played at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium - before following that draw up with a fine 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Real have won Europe's top competition a record 13 times and no English side has ever won a Champions League game at the Bernabeu by more than a single goal.

"The task is incredibly high and the challenge is incredibly high given the circumstances of the first leg, where we play, against whom we play and at what stage we play this kind of match," added Tuchel.

"It is sometimes important to imagine things and to dream about it, but it will not shift the focus from the fact that we need to deliver and we need to be ready.

"We will arrive and try everything because it's worth trying. From there we see and, hopefully, we have a match where belief grows within the match by our actions and, hopefully, we can fulfil our dream, live up to our dream.

"But realistically, we have to invest a lot and be at our very top level."

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is bidding to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals for the eighth time in his career, which would be the joint most by a coach in the competition along with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

"Chelsea will come here to rescue the tie, I have no doubt about it," said Ancelotti.

"He [Tuchel] can say whatever he wants but I'm sure Chelsea will come here to win - that's the spirit of football, the spirit of big clubs and great players, to never give up.

"I'm lucky to have a group of players that know these types of games really well, that anything can happen. They are in a good spirit and happy with the opportunity to reach a Champions League semi-final.

"But Chelsea are a very strong rival. We have to have a lot of respect and we're going to have it".

BBC
 
Paris Saint Germain are in talks to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, according to reports
 
Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea boss says players were unlucky after Champions League epic

Thomas Tuchel says there are "no regrets" after holders Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in a classic clash.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Blues forced extra time against the record 13-time winners at the Bernabeu before losing 5-4 on aggregate.

"These are the kind of defeats we can digest and swallow as we left nothing to regret out there," said boss Tuchel.

"It was not meant to be. We were simply unlucky."

Many had written off Chelsea's hopes against Real, but when Timo Werner scored to make it 3-0 on the night in the 75th minute, the Blues were 15 minutes away from a sensational feat.

However, Rodrygo's volley brought the scores back level on aggregate five minutes later before Karim Benzema - a hat-trick hero at Stamford Bridge six days earlier - headed the decisive goal which sent Real through.

"We showed the quality and character this team has and deserved to go through," added Tuchel. "There is nothing to regret."

However, the Chelsea boss was critical of the mistakes over two legs which led to Real's goals.

Benzema's extra-time goal came after Antonio Rudiger slipped in the box.

"We had a huge deficit to overcome because we did big mistakes in the first leg and today both goals come from mistakes from us," added Tuchel.

"They took advantage of the mistakes with individual quality and that was enough because over the two legs we did too many of these big mistakes."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61089416
 
Thomas Tuchel has criticised the referee for "smiling and laughing" with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after Chelsea's Champions League exit.

Tuchel said he was disappointed Szymon Marciniak appeared to be having "a good time with Carlo" at the final whistle.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Blues forced extra time against the record 13-time winners at the Bernabeu before losing 5-4 on aggregate.

"I think this is the very, very worst time to do this," said Tuchel.

"After 126 minutes with one team giving their heart and desire, fighting to the very last drop.

"I know Carlo is a gentleman and a nice guy but when I wanted to go and say thank you [to the referee] I see him smiling and laughing loudly with the opponent coach.

"I think it's very, very bad timing."

Holders Chelsea exit Champions League after epic
Tuchel was also unhappy the official did not check the VAR monitor himself when a Marcos Alonso effort was disallowed for handball in the second half.

"If you play against Real Madrid you can maybe not expect everybody has the courage. I felt little decisions went against us also in the first leg and today as well," he said.

"I did not see the goal but I told him I'm super disappointed he didn't go to check it himself. You should stay the boss and not give decisions like this to somebody in a chair and isolated from the atmosphere.

"A referee has a certain style, things he allows and doesn't allow, so I think he should stay in charge and check it on his own, then he could explain it better.

"But this is just my opinion. Maybe it's too much to ask for in matches like this against this opponent."

No regrets despite exit
Tuchel said there were "no regrets" despite Chelsea's elimination after coming close to what would have been a stunning comeback.

Many had written off Chelsea's chances, but when Timo Werner scored to make it 3-0 on the night in the 75th minute, the Blues were 15 minutes away from a sensational feat.

However, Rodrygo's volley brought the scores back level on aggregate five minutes later before Karim Benzema - a hat-trick hero at Stamford Bridge six days earlier - headed the decisive goal which sent Real through.

"These are the kind of defeats we can digest and swallow as we left nothing to regret out there," said Tuchel.

"It was not meant to be. We were simply unlucky."

"We showed the quality and character this team has and deserved to go through. There is nothing to regret."

However, the Chelsea boss was critical of the mistakes over two legs which led to Real's goals.

Benzema's extra-time goal came after Antonio Rudiger slipped in the box.

"We had a huge deficit to overcome because we did big mistakes in the first leg and today both goals come from mistakes from us," added Tuchel.

"They took advantage of the mistakes with individual quality and that was enough because over the two legs we did too many of these big mistakes."

'Punished for our mistakes'
Chelsea do not have long to recover from going out of Europe as they prepare to make a second visit of the season to Wembley.

They face Crystal Palace in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday (16:30 BST) - a competition that offers them their last chance of landing a major domestic trophy.

Despite enjoying success in the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup, they lost a penalty shootout to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and are 12 points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League with just eight matches left.

"The positive is we didn't give up," said defender Rudiger.

"Not many teams can come and dominate Real Madrid as we did. But over the two legs if you make these kind of mistakes like we did, you get punished.

"It was a do or die for us. I think before the game not everybody thought we would have the 3-0. For them the individual class comes to light with Luka Modric and Benzema."

'Chelsea put their hearts and souls into it' - what the pundits said
Former England keeper Rob Green is worried the energy-sapping 120 minutes in Spain's capital could take its toll on Chelsea as they prepare for Wembley.

"Chelsea invested so much in the game. They put hearts and souls into this game," Green, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said.

"Real Madrid looked lost. They looked like they didn't have a clue, like they were short of confidence. But they have players who produce moments."

Former England midfielder Karen Carney, speaking on 5 Live, added: "You can't complain. This leg wasn't the one that sent Chelsea out.

"They have conceded five goals over the two legs. Last season they were built on defence. You have to have a clean-sheet mentality. They leave themselves open at times."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61089416
 
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