Chelsea Sale: The Ricketts family, who want to take over Stamford Brigde side, said it would meet with fans to assuage fears over the club’s future ownership.
They are one of six bidders for Chelsea that have made their intentions known.
All of the bidders are waiting to hear if they have been selected for a shortlist.
Fans have chastised the Ricketts family’s ownership of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, as well as patriarch Joe Ricketts’ anti-Muslim remarks made in 2019.
Chelsea’s first black footballer, Paul Canoville, commented on social media: “So I’ve had my fill of seeing and hearing. I’m supporting Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and rejecting Ricketts’ bid as anti-racist.”
After claiming that the Ricketts proposal had been treated with “universal scorn” by fans in the US and throughout the world, Brian Wolff, the chairman of Chelsea’s official supporters organization in Chicago and a Cubs fan, encouraged those in charge of the sale to reject it in favor of alternative choices.
He questioned the family’s political leanings, saying that alternative bids would “commit to not only expanding upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but, equally important, the investment in supporters and the values that we hold dear.”
Sources close to the Ricketts family, however, said Joe Ricketts would have no role or influence in Chelsea’s campaign, which is being led by his children Tom, Todd, and Laura, who is a Democrat, unlike her Republican family.
The family took over the Cubs in 2009 and guided them to their first World Series victory in 108 years in 2016. Wrigley Field, the Cubs’ home stadium, and the surrounding surroundings were also redeveloped by the family at a cost of almost £750 million.
The family is said to have communicated with Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands, as well as the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and Chelsea Pitch Owners, who own the freehold to Stamford Bridge.
The CST is eager to meet with any potential owners and requested that the government “discount any bid that refuses to issue a golden share to fans” on Monday.
That would imply unique veto powers over major decisions like moving Chelsea’s stadium or changing the club’s colors or badge.
“We will continue to reaffirm that any new owner must reflect the inclusive beliefs of Chelsea football club and our diverse support base,” the CST said in a statement.
