A NEW bidder, with links to UFC superstar Conor McGregor, has launched an offer to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
According to Sky News, Empowerment IP submitted a revised £3.1billion proposal to Raine Group LLC, a New York-based investment bank in charge of finding a buyer.
Interested parties were told last Friday was the deadline to submit their bid for Chelsea but the rights monetisation firm, headed by sports financier Stephen Duval, made their proposal “in the last few days”.
Of that sum, £1bn is reportedly offered to acquire the Blues’ share capital whereas the other £2.1bn will go for investment in Stamford Bridge, players and the academy.
Empowerment have also included a fan bond, which would commit to the west Londoners’ supporters owning no less than 25 per cent of the shares.
Duval’s sudden interest may be the reason behind Raine’s delay in naming the shortlist of preferred buyers, which doesn’t include Saudi Media.
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The company is linked with McGregor, who was previously rumoured to be preparing a bid for Chelsea as well.
However, there are no reports that the Notorious tried to buy the reigning European champions before the deadline.
The UFC star’s management company Paradigm Sports, was working with McGregor Sports & Entertainment and Empowerment IP Capital.
Chelsea are now expected to decide on a shortlist of four candidates who will be invited to make improved final offers.
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The club is expected to choose the preferred bidder as early as the second week of April.
Chelsea and Raine will then go to the UK government for approval that will allow a sale to go ahead, before undergoing the final Premier League Owners’ and Directors’ Test to seal a takeover.
Abramovich decided to sell the club after being hit with sanctions by the government due to Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine and his alleged links with controversial president Vladimir Putin.
