Chelsea ‘face administration & point deduction if Abramovich refuses to accept offers from countries sanctioning Russia’
CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich could plunge his crisis-gripped club into administration – if he ‘refuses’ to flog it to a country that has sanctioned Russian oligarchs, it has been claimed.
The billionaire could influence the club’s sale despite having had all his assets seized by the British Government, according to The Mail on Sunday.
If Chelsea were forced into administration it would see them hit with a nine-point deduction, putting their top four and Champions League hopes in jeopardy.
Abramovich – who has owned Chelsea since 2003 – has hired The Raine Group to flog the West London club.
He reportedly has the power to veto bids from potential buyers in the United States and Britain, the sources claimed.
The Sun Online have approached The Raine Group, the office of Mr Abramovich and Chelsea FC for comment.
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This would be in reaction to both countries sanctioning Russian oligarchs in response to the war in Ukraine.
The means Chelsea could yet end up in administration as the highest remaining bid from outside the US and Europe is likely to be from the Saudi Media Group.
The Saudis have reportedly tabled a whopping £2.66bn offer – but Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is overseeing the process – is likely to turn it down.
This is in light of the ferocious backlash following the takeover of Newcastle United by an investment fund linked to nation’s rulers.
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They paid £305million for the Magpies in October 2021 – assisted by British businesswoman Amanda Staveley.
The Government could yet seize Chelsea, but even if a deal is agreed there would be questions around the proceeds.
Government officials have already said Abramovich would not receive a penny for the sale given his links to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin and the alleged origins of his wealth.
The sanctions saw Abramovich’s London property portfolio – worth an estimated £200 million – seized, preventing him from accessing his homes.
All his assets including the clubs bank cards were also frozen – Chelsea have also been banned from taking part in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea are now haemorrhaging millions of pounds per week on wages and cannot earn money.
US businessman Todd Boehly – who is worth $6.6 billion – has teamed up with Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and British property developer Jonathan Goldstein to bid on the club.
The trio are are leading one of the two major American bids for Chelsea – estimated to be between £2bn and £2.5bn – this was reportedly raised hours before the deadline to try and beat rivals.
According to the Mail on Sunday, their proposal appears to have gone a long way to reassuring the Government that they can do a quick deal.
The Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, have also lodged a bid.
The family have an estimated wealth of $4.9billion.
TERRYFIC
It comes as John Terry has entered the race to buy his former club – confirming he is heading up a £250million consortium.
The True Blues consortium is looking to buy supporters a 10 per cent share in the club.
The consortium will allow fans to buy a stake in the club for as little as £100 – they will also get voting rights on club decisions.
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The consortium has won the backing of Stamford Bridge freeholders, Chelsea Pitch Owners, and the club’s supporters’ trust.
Following the announcement, the former skipper and Chelsea legend said the club has been “such an important part of my life for 22 years”.