Chelsea could be removed from the Premier League next season if the takeover process is not completed by the end of May.
This is according to sources at The Telegraph, who claim the Blues might be denied access to England’s top division if the sale of the club hasn’t gone through before the end of the month.
More Chelsea takeover news to digest
The special operating licence given to Chelsea by the UK government following the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich runs out on May 31.
This has allowed the various teams to compete in their respective competitions, as well as paying all staff members and players.
It has also helped the ongoing maintenance of the organisation, but has still limited several aspects of the company.
For example, Chelsea have not been able to spend more than £20,000 (Mirror) on away games and £500,000 on home fixtures.
Only season-ticket holders have been allowed to certain matches at Stamford Bridge, with the profits from ticket sales prevented from reaching Roman Abramovich.
Whilst the Blues have kept going throughout this ghastly saga, time is clearly running out for their house to be put back into order.
Fortunately, it appears the story, or nightmare, has finally approached its conclusion.
Can Todd Boehly secure the sale and save the Blues?
The consortium led by Todd Boehly is apparently closing in on the Chelsea ownership, having pretty much led the race from the very start.
Even Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s late bid seemingly won’t derail Boehly’s efforts, even if it’s placed a slight hurdle in his way.
Ratcliffe remains hopeful his last-minute offer, submitted on Friday, will be enough to persuade Abramovich to pick him as the lucky winner.
Sir Martin Broughton, one of the shortlisted candidates picked by the Raine Group, has told members of his party to remain on standby in case Boehly’s move breaks down.
Hopefully for Chelsea this isn’t the case, as everyone associated with the badge simply wants this over and down with.
Especially as any more time wasted could impact their status as a Premier League entity.
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