Chelsea's rivals believe the takeover could set them back by two years as a major force.
US brokers Raine are overseeing the sale with Premier League clubs looking on with great interest. There is concern among the smaller clubs about the £1.5billion debt owed to Roman Abramovich and whether the Russian oligarch’s willingness to write that off will give Chelsea an unfair advantage.
Bigger clubs appear to be less concerned about the debt and more worried about Abramovich’s motives and the whole sale process. There is also a feeling that Abramovich’s departure will take time to overcome and whoever comes in next will need time to adapt while budgets, transfer targets and spending may have to reel back in.
There is plenty of wealthy owners in the frame, huge financial backing but they may also face a battle to keep director Marina Granovskaia who has become a huge respected figure even among other Prem clubs. Granovskaia has overseen some incredible deals and helped recruit Thomas Tuchel who appears to be in for the long haul at Stamford Bridge.
But having scaled the heights in the Premier League and won the Champions League even during a time when Abramovich has been more conservative with his spending, the next owner will do well to match those levels. There is also scepticism as to whether a joint ownership model - with the majority of the bidders joining forces in a consortium or with investment backers - could be as streamlined and easy as a single figure in charge like Abramovich.
Plans for World Cup fans revealed
World Cup organisers have revealed detailed plans for accommodation and the Fan ID programme.
The moored cruise ships will host thousands of supporters and the prices start at £135-a-night and go up to £260 with the upmarket World Europa cruise ship offering six swimming pools, 13 restaurants, a nightclub and kids’ clubs. Hotels, apartments and fan villages are also available while they have revealed details of the Hayya Card which is part of the tournament Fan ID including tickets, Covid 19 status and free travel on public transport.
They have yet to reveal full details for “glamping” in the desert which will be a new experience to see England fans on campsites and deserts.
Poland's new broadcaster
Streaming platform Screach has signed the first deal to show live top flight games from Poland’s PKO Ekstraklas.
There are 600,000 Poles living in the UK and it is almost certain to be one of the most watched foreign leagues thanks to improved coverage in bars, cafes and restaurants.
Sky Sports praised for women's coverage
Sky have come in for some stick this season because of their poor programming outside of live games.
But one thing they have got absolutely right is their coverage of the Women’s Super League which has helped transform coverage with superb pundits, views and live output.
It has had a major impact at clubs who can see the difference in profile and interest as a result with many executives believing, together with the forthcoming Euros this summer, this is a real moment in time for the women’s game.
Sterling handed new role for Jamaica
Raheem Sterling has been named as Jamaica’s Tourism Ambassador for Europe.
Kingston-born Sterling is now one of England’s biggest stars but is also one of Jamaica’s best exports and has a huge and positive influence with the country describing him as the “perfect person” to represent the destination in its diamond year of celebrations.
Sterling, MBE, said: “I’m proud to have been born in Jamaica and I can’t wait to spread the word about what a wonderful place it is.”
