March 15 – Potential buyers of European champions Chelsea are reported to be queuing up to submit their takeover proposals ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Owner Roman Abramovich, sanctioned by the UK government for his links with Vladimir Putin, has been disqualified as a director of the club, throwing Chelsea’s future into disarray.
Property tycoon and Chelsea fan Nick Candy has emerged as one of the frontrunners to buy the club as part of a consortium while US and Saudi interest has also apparently been lodged.
Despite Abramovich’s assets being frozen, Chelsea are operating under a special licence to continue “football-related activities”.
The Raine Group, the US bank tasked with handling the sale, have given potential bidders until Friday to make their offers
A rapid sale is seen as essential to ensure the club’s immediate future but the UK government has made clear that none of the proceeds from a takeover can flow to Abramovich.
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