There’s never a dull moment where Chelsea Football Club is concerned, though it’s matters off the pitch which are causing real problems on this occasion.
Ever since Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge, there’s been an incredibly high turnover of players and managers, and a feeling that the club has owners that don’t really have too much of an idea how an English football club works.
It’s as if the club as a whole is being treated purely as another financial vehicle alongside the many business interests of the various owners, and as each new problem presents itself, players and other assets are being sold off willy nilly.
Boehly and Clearlake at odds regarding Chelsea shares
A short term solution to long-term problems it appears.
Now, according to Bloomberg (subscription required), there’s a power struggle in the boardroom, with both Boehly and Clearlake assessing their options, in terms of buying each other out.
It’s said that the American businessman’s relationship with Behdad Eghbali has now cooled somewhat, and remains purely professional.
With things beginning to go sour, it’s clear that ousting one or the other is a preference both are considering.
The Telegraph (subscription required), however, note that Clearlake have no intention of being bought out and, in fact, only want to increase their current 61.5% shareholding, effectively sidelining Boehly and the other minority shareholders, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter, all of whom own 13% of the club.
Clearly, another tumultuous period awaits for the club when, in fact, some stability is what’s needed in the blue half of West London.
From a supporter perspective, fans are only really likely to be concerned if the chaos behind the scenes once again translates to what’s happening on the pitch.
Ever since the takeover from Roman Abramovich things have gone steadily downhill, and that can’t be allowed to continue.
