CHELSEA OWNERS BOEHLY, WALTER CONSIDER SELLING STAKES

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter are reportedly considering selling their stakes in the Premier League club to majority owner Clearlake Capital, according to reports on Monday.

Boehly and Walter were among the investors who joined forces with Clearlake to acquire Chelsea from former owner Roman Abramovich for £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in May 2022.

Clearlake currently holds a 62 per cent controlling stake in the club, while Boehly, Walter and fellow investor Hansjorg Wyss control the remaining 38 per cent through Blueco Holdings.

Reports suggest Boehly has become increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of the club, particularly over player recruitment, managerial decisions and plans for a potential new stadium.

The reported disagreement has fuelled speculation of an ownership restructuring, with Boehly and Clearlake said to have explored buying each other out on several occasions over the past two years.

Boehly and Walter are reportedly seeking a valuation of around £5 billion for their combined stake if they decide to sell.

The two American billionaires are longstanding friends and business partners. Their other joint investments include Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks.

The latest development comes after a disappointing Premier League campaign for Chelsea, who finished 10th last season.

The club has since appointed Xabi Alonso as its new manager as Chelsea look to revive their fortunes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Blues are scheduled to begin the new Premier League season with an away fixture against Fulham on August 24, with continued uncertainty over the club's ownership structure potentially adding another layer of pressure around the team.