Chelsea FC Signs Up Ligue 1 Asset
The owner of Premier League football club Chelsea has secured a majority stake in French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.
The size of the stake is unknown, but it is thought to be ‘close to 100%,’ with the Blues paying €75m (£65m) to complete the deal.
The move signals the start of the club’s plans to create a multi-club model similar to that of the City Football Group, the owner of the recently crowned treble winner Manchester City. Chelsea’s Chairman Todd Boehly has previously claimed that the model creates is a good pathway for young players to gain experience.
“This strategic investment would further our presence in European football, alongside our ownership of Chelsea. We believe it would create huge opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.”
BLUECO STATEMENT
The deal was officially confirmed by BlueCo, the consortium led by American Boehly that purchased Chelsea in a £4.25bn takeover with private equity firm Clearlake Capital in 2022.
In a statement, the BlueCo shareholders, said, “It is an honour for us to be part of this historic club. We are committed to preserving the heritage of Racing and are focused on working closely with Marc and his management team to continue the excellent work they have been doing. This strategic investment would further our presence in European football, alongside our ownership of Chelsea. We believe it would create huge opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.”
Strasbourg’s Club Director, Marc Keller, added, “The arrival of the consortium should enable us to take this step forward,” continued Marc Keller, “it’s a question of putting in place the conditions for a new ambition, moving forward with continuity, building on the foundations that have made us successful. I am proud, after eleven years of hard work with all those who have contributed to its success, to enable the club to further its ambition, with responsibility. We’re doing it for our fans, for our partners, for our town and our region”.
The proposed transaction remains subject to a consultation process with the relevant employee representative bodies.
The Blues endured a difficult first season under the new ownership, sacking two managers and finishing in 12th place, with Strasbourg also struggling in its domestic league, finishing 15th.
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