Clearlake Capital Responds to Speculation Over Selling Chelsea Amid Reported Rift with Todd Boehly
Clearlake Capital Responds to Speculation Over Selling Chelsea Amid Reported Rift with Todd Boehly
Clearlake Capital, the majority co-owners of Chelsea Football Club, has firmly addressed recent speculation surrounding the possibility of selling the club amid reports of an internal rift with co-owner Todd Boehly. These reports have generated widespread attention, as Chelsea’s ownership group navigates a critical period in the club’s sporting and financial future.
In May 2022, Clearlake Capital, an American private equity firm, along with Todd Boehly, co-founder of Eldridge Industries and chairman of Chelsea Football Club, spearheaded a consortium to acquire Chelsea Football Club. This historic £4.25 billion takeover from Roman Abramovich came after the club faced sanctions and was put up for sale in response to the political situation surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Since taking ownership, Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly have overseen major changes at Chelsea, including investments in players, managerial shifts, and infrastructure development aimed at restoring Chelsea’s competitive edge in both domestic and European football.
Recent media reports have suggested tensions between Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital over the direction of the club, fueling rumors that the investment firm may consider selling its stake in Chelsea. Allegedly, there have been disagreements over the club’s transfer strategy, managerial appointments, and financial decisions. Boehly, who also serves as Chelsea’s interim sporting director, has been at the forefront of decision-making since the takeover, but reports have implied that Clearlake’s other partners, including co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano, may not be aligned with all of his strategic moves.
Clearlake Capital, however, has made it clear that these reports of internal disputes are overblown and have dismissed any claims that the firm is considering selling Chelsea Football Club. In an official statement, Clearlake co-founder Behdad Eghbali said:
“Our commitment to Chelsea Football Club remains unwavering. We believe in the long-term vision we have for the club, and together with Todd Boehly, we are focused on building a sustainable future for Chelsea both on and off the pitch. Speculation about any internal rift or potential sale of the club is baseless and unfounded.”
José Feliciano, the other co-founder of Clearlake Capital, echoed Eghbali’s sentiments, emphasizing the group’s united front in pushing Chelsea forward:
“We are fully aligned with Todd Boehly in our shared mission to restore Chelsea Football Club to the top of European football. There are challenges in any ownership structure, but we are confident in our partnership and the leadership we have in place.”
As a key figure in Chelsea’s new ownership, Todd Boehly has been instrumental in the club’s transformation since the takeover. Not only did he take on the role of interim sporting director after the exit of Marina Granovskaia, but he has also been pivotal in signing new talents, including Enzo Fernández, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Christopher Nkunku. However, Boehly’s hands-on approach has attracted both praise and criticism from various quarters, especially regarding the club’s recruitment and managerial choices, including the hiring and subsequent firing of Graham Potter.
Boehly addressed the recent speculation, stating:
“We are building a long-term project at Chelsea, and with Clearlake, we are on the same page about the club’s future. Any reports suggesting otherwise are misinformed. Our focus is on strengthening Chelsea and making strategic decisions that will help us achieve sustained success.”
Chelsea’s current situation, with inconsistent performances on the pitch and high turnover of managers, has naturally invited scrutiny. While some investors may prefer immediate results, Clearlake Capital and Boehly have reiterated their commitment to a patient, long-term approach.
The co-owners have acknowledged the club’s underwhelming results in recent seasons, but they remain optimistic about the path forward, with plans to further invest in youth development, modernize Stamford Bridge, and expand Chelsea’s commercial ventures globally. Underpinning this strategy is the belief that sustained financial and sporting success will follow if the right foundation is built today.
Although rumors have swirled about potential buyers for Chelsea, including interest from Middle Eastern and American consortiums, Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly have firmly rejected these claims. They have reassured fans and stakeholders that the group’s focus is entirely on stabilizing the club after the transition from the Abramovich era.
Behdad Eghbali added:
“We know that Chelsea is a special club with passionate supporters around the world. Our goal is to honor that legacy by bringing stability and success back to the club. Selling the club is not on our agenda – building it is.”
As Chelsea Football Club navigates a period of significant change, the leadership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly is critical to the club’s evolution. While media reports may suggest otherwise, both parties have expressed confidence in their partnership and remain focused on driving Chelsea towards a successful future.
