Todd Boehly will be removed from his role as Chelsea chairman as the club's ownership plan a major shake up at Stamford Bridge.
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Boehly to be replaced as chairman in 2027Board can change chairman every five yearsPotentially replacements already lined upGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?
According tothe club's American co-owners, with an extraordinary agreement in place, have the authority to rotate the chairmanship every five years. It has now been disclosed that this rotational policy is set to come into effect at the culmination of the 2026-27 season.
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Clearlake Capital, managed by co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, holds a majority share of 61.5%, while Boehly shares the remaining 38.5% with Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.
The decision to select the first chairman seems to be linked to the terms of the club's takeover agreement in 2022. Under this agreement, while there are no immediate financial implications for the club, Boehly's group would bear the brunt of any initial losses in case of a sale or realisation.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report also mentions that Boehly's group holds common stock while the majority stakeholders have ‘preferred stock’ which offers more protection against financial downturns. While the successor to Boehly remains undecided, Eghbali or Feliciano could assume the role themselves or nominate a third party.
Rumours suggest divergent approaches between Boehly, who is said to favour a long-term strategy, and Eghbali and Feliciano, who allegedly face pressure for quicker returns from investors. However, Clearlake insiders refute these claims, affirming their commitment to the club's long-term success.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BOEHLY?
Boehly would have the option to return in 2032 if he wishes to do so and retain his stake in the club. Meanwhile, Chelsea denied rumours of discord between Boehly and Clearlake, emphasising their professional partnership and regular communication. However, the decision to alter the chairman's role indicates a potential appetite for improvement within the ownership structure.
Despite potential changes in leadership, Chelsea's operational strategy is expected to remain largely unchanged. The club's focus on recruiting young talent across Europe and substantial investments in scouting, data analysis, sports science, and performance enhancement are likely to persist.
The Blues are currently 11th in the league standings and will return to action against Burnley on Saturday.
