The Chelsea sale ended, as the British government approved the process and handed over the club from Roman Abramovich, the target of sanctions linked to the invasion of Ukraine, to a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boyle.

The Portuguese government – whom Roman Abramovich consulted to obtain a Portuguese passport – gave a firm opinion on the completion of the deal, and thus the British CEO issued the license to sell.

At the end of Tuesday night, the Premier League agreed to buy Chelsea for 4.25 billion pounds (4.9 billion euros), leaving only the license to sell the club to be finalized, operating under an exception scheme until May 31.

“Due to the penalties we apply to anyone associated with it [presidente russo, Vladimir] Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the long-term future of the club can be guaranteed only with a new owner. ”

1/2 Last night the government issued a license allowing the sale of @Chelsea Football Club. Given the sanctions we have imposed on those associated with Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the club’s long-term future can only be secured under a new owner.

– Nadine Dorries 25 May 2022

The government does not want Abramovich to receive proceeds from the sale, which will go to a frozen bank account to be donated to charities. After extensive work, we are now convinced that the total proceeds from the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual. We will begin the process of ensuring that proceeds from the sale are used for humanitarian reasons in Ukraine, and to support war victims. Today’s actions will ensure the future of the club’s cultural heritage and protect fans and the football community in general.”

Boehly leads the select consortium, but Clearlake Capital – a private equity firm – will own a majority of Chelsea’s shares. Other investors include American millionaire Mark Walter, who is also a co-owner of L.A. Dodgers, and Swiss millionaire Hansjorg Wyss.