Chelsea still have a number of issues to take care of on and off the field
Premier League football club Chelsea has finally been sold for a £4.25 billion ($5.3 billion) fee after the UK government granted a takeover on Tuesday night. But what lies ahead for the West Londoners?
Who has bought Chelsea?
Chelsea has been bought by a consortium led by LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, who co-founded Connecticut finance firm Eldridge Industries.
Why was the club put up for sale?
Days after Wyss said that Chelsea would be put on the market, previous owner Roman Abramovich announced on March 2 that he wished to sell the club he had owned since 2003.
To continue playing matches in England and Europe without being able to buy or sell players, Chelsea were granted a special license which was set to expire on May 31.
What will happen to the money from the sale?
The sale will consist of two steps, with £2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) first going into an escrow account before it is distributed to a charity for victims of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Later on, an additional £1.75 billion ($2.2 billion) will be pumped into the club by Boehly.insisted again on May 5 that he would not benefit in any way, and said in a statement that his team had "identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities" .
Abramovich also had to debunk rumors that he had done a u-turn and wished to call in a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) he previously pledge to waive."now satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual" .statement , the UK government vowed that it will "now begin the process of ensuring the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war" ."The steps today will secure the future of this important cultural asset and protect fans and the wider football community," it added, saying that it had been "in discussions with relevant international partners for necessary licenses required" .
What are Todd Boehly's main concerns to address at the club?
Boehly is reported as already holding sit-down talks with the coaches of the men's and women's teams, Thomas Tuchel and Emmay Hayes, but needs to plan for the short, medium and long term at Stamford Bridge.
With Manchester City and Liverpool by far the two best teams in the land, Boehly has to make sure that Chelsea can keep pace and guarantee qualification to the Champions League each year.
What are first team coach Thomas Tuchel's main priorities?
The German technician needs cash from Boehly, with reports claiming that the American will give him £200 million to spend this summer which is already a great start.
A top center-back is needed with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving, and Sevilla's France international Jules Kounde more than fits the mold.