Sir Martin Broughton, Todd Boehly and Steve Pagliuca have all had their bids for Chelsea confirmed as the Ricketts family dropped out of the running to become the club's next owners.
Tom Ricketts and co have faced much hostility in person and on social media from fans and pundits alike for past comments made by certain members, and even Thomas Tuchel had admitted before the Brentford that they had to face the consequences of their actions. However, after many online protests and even one in person that took place before the west London derby against Brentford, it seemed as though they were going to continue on with their bid as Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert had joined forces with the Ricketts family in this bid.
Even Tuchel wasn't expecting any major news when he was asked about what he knew in his pre-match Crystal Palace press conference early on Friday afternoon. "To be honest, no. It is still a process. I heard talks are still ongoing with the government. I am still not involved, which I am glad about, I have to say, because we have a lot to focus on here," he said at Cobham.
READ MORE: Chelsea sale Live: Ricketts family pull out of takeover race, Pagliuca hint
"That is where our focus goes. Like I said with the first answer, I hope things will be sorted out as soon as possible to have clarity, but I understand it is not that easy." Fast forward a few hours and out of the blue, the Chicago Cubs owners have released a statement to explain that they have pulled out of the running.
The statement read: "The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert group has decided, after careful consideration, not to submit a final bid for Chelsea FC. In the process of finalising the proposal, it became increasingly clear that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics around the sales process. "We have great admiration for Chelsea FC and its fans and we wish the new owners well."
It is a development that will delight a large majority of Chelsea fans, and in the aftermath of this news, it's been confirmed to football.london that Broughton, Boehly and Pagliuca have all entered their bids to become the next owner of Chelsea Football Club without issue. A decision as to which bid will be taken forward as the preferred choice is expected to come next week.
Chelsea fans- who do you now want to become the next Blues owners? Stephen Pagliuca, Todd Boehly or Sir Martin Broughton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
