Rift in Chelsea Ownership: Boehly and Clearlake at Odds

Chelsea Football Club is currently experiencing an ownership rift, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital at the center of the disagreement. Boehly, who emerged as a prominent figure during Chelsea's acquisition, is reportedly interested in buying out Clearlake. However, as a minority investor with a 12.8% stake, his influence is limited compared to Clearlake's majority 61.5% ownership.

Behdad Eghbali, co-founder of Clearlake, is described as the most influential figure at the club, alongside Jose E Feliciano. Both have expressed a desire to increase their stake rather than sell. This divide has created two factions within the club, a situation that has been brewing since the group's formation following sanctions on former owner Roman Abramovich.

The discord became especially apparent after Chelsea's underwhelming performance in the 2022-23 season, with varying strategies and leadership styles between Boehly and Eghbali. The ownership struggle poses questions about the club's future direction, with potential outcomes ranging from a buyout by either party to a continued uneasy alliance or involvement of a third party. The resolution of this conflict could significantly impact Chelsea's strategic decisions and investments moving forward.