British business person Martin Broughton leads a consortium that aims to take over Roman Abramovich’s club.
By Daniel Chokoe
Serena Williams could become one of the shareholders of Chelsea Football Club after the 23-time Grand Slam winner was named alongside Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton as part of a consortium that wants to buy the Premier League outfit.
Chelsea have been up for sale since February after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.
Abramovich had his assets frozen and Chelsea are not allowed to do any day-to-day operations, including the sale of transfers and match tickets at the club.
Three bids for the club have been confirmed and Williams and Hamilton form part of the consortium that is being led by Sir Martin Broughton, the former chairman of Liverpool FC.
LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca are the other two bidders for the football club.
According to Sky News, “Hamilton and Williams – the highest-profile members of any of the three remaining consortia – had pledged an estimated £10m each to the bid”.
The reported added that “Sources close to the offer led by Broughton said the diversity of its roster of global investors was among the factors that had persuaded Hamilton and Williams to become involved.
“One insider suggested that Hamilton was likely to play a formal role in Chelsea’s future efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion if the bid is successful.”
On the court, tennis great Williams has not played any competitive matches since Wimbledon last year after she picked up a serious leg injury during her first-round match. However, the former world No 1 is expected to return to action before this year’s The Championships.