Todd Boehly became Chelsea chairman in 2022, but his position is under risk, per the terms of the takeover. Boehly led a consortium with Clearlake Capital Group (co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano) who share control of Chelsea.
Matt Law of the Telegraph says the Blues can change ownership every five years should Clearlake Capital put forward a representative. That means Boehly could be replaced in 2027 if Eghbali or Feliciano nominate a successor.
Boehly era has been disappointing
In May, it will be two years since Boehly took over Chelsea, but his reign hasn’t gone well. The Blues have spent £1bn, hired and fired three managers, and look set for consecutive bottom-half finishes in the league.
Thomas Tuchel (January 2021 – September 2022) was sacked in September 2022 after 18 months in charge. He was replaced by Graham Potter (September 2022 – April 2023) who lasted less than seven months. Frank Lampard (April 2023 – May 2023) took interim charge and left unceremoniously.
And now Mauricio Pochettino (May 2023 – present) is head coach. The 52-year-old is under threat of losing his job, however, as Chelsea are once again underperforming.
Boehly spent big money on young talent to long-term contracts, but it’s not had the desired effect. Chelsea have a bloated squad and the players haven’t really moulded as he would have liked.
Chelsea have cashed in on players of value, to ensure they don’t fall foul of Financial Fair Play. But if things don’t improve on the pitch, questions will be asked of the transfer policy.
Time for change at Chelsea?
Pochettino has been heavily criticised for Chelsea’s inconsistency this season, but Boehly can’t escape blame either. He’s signed off on Chelsea’s transfers and has played tied down for more than six years. Chelsea are closing in on their second season under Boehly and supporters aren’t happy.
The Blues finished 4th in the Premier League and won the Champions League in 2021. They finished 3rd in the league, reaching the FA Cup and League Cup final in 2022. But they’re set for back-to-back bottom-half finishes since Roman Abramovich sold the club.
Boehly has three more years to get it right, but will things improve under his reign?
