HITC understands that the Raheem Sterling situation was a major catalyst behind the recent falling out of Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
Boehly led the takeover of Chelsea following Roman Abramovich’s ownership in 2022.
But whilst Boehly has always been the leading public figure, he only holds 13% ownership of the club with the majority shareholders being Clearlake Capital which is run by Eghbali and Jose Feliciano – both of whom are board members at Stamford Bridge.
Tensions have been mounting between Boehly and Eghbali, and now the former is putting together a bid to try and buy-out Clearlake and their 61.5% holding.
Todd Boehly looking to buyout Clearlake
Sources have confirmed to HITC that Boehly, chairman of the club, is putting together backing from investors and is preparing a bid to buy out Clearlake and he is understood to be confident of agreeing a deal.
Boehly believes one voice at the top is required, after deciding he can no longer work with Eghbali and Clearlake.
However, it is also believed that Eghbali and Feliciano have no plans to sell and relinquish their holding of the West London giants.
Raheem Sterling part of Stamford Bridge fallout
HITC understands that whilst many issues have mounted to cause the fall-out, we can reveal the Raheem Sterling situation played a part in bringing everything to a head.
Boehly brought Sterling to the club as his first major move once he took charge. Indeed Boehly was less than happy with the club’s treatment of the England international, who left the club on deadline day for rivals Arsenal after being told he was not part of their plans this season.
HITC understands that Eghbali instigated Sterling’s exit despite Boehly’s determination to keep him and this only enhanced the fallout which sources with knowledge of the situation believe is now untenable.
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