The Ricketts family are planning a trip to London to try and convince Chelsea supporters that they are the right group to succeed Roman Abramovich, according to reports.
With bids for the Roman Abramovich ran club now in and being dealt with by the Raine Group, all the players like the supporters are anxiously and eagerly anticipating the final decision which could still be someway off yet. The likes of Todd Boehly's consortium, the Ricketts family's collaboration with Ken Griffin, and Nick Candy are the so called front runners in the race but a final decision is far from close.
Whilst the Raine Group prepare for the next stage of the whole takeover process, the aforementioned trio of consortia's are now planning on how to best integrate themselves into the club if they were to be the chosen new owner. The Ricketts family have received some opposition from sections of support on social media, especially after historical racist emails sent by Joe Ricketts emerged last week.
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To try and and squash some of these fears and criticisms that have been brandished their way, the Evening Standard have reported that members of the family are planning on flying over to London in a bid to convince Chelsea supporters they can lead the club to a bright future. It's reported the group want to meet with Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC, and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.
It comes after the Chelsea Chicago Supporters' Club issued a statement demanding that the Ricketts' bid is categorically turned down. Head of Chelsea's Chicago Supporters' Club Brian Wolff wrote: “As the Head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters' Club, and the Chelsea Fans’ Forum Overseas Representative, I’ve had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea.
“I can report the vast majority of opinion has been of universal disdain. The Ricketts’ political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with 19 years of fantastic work done by the club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a living wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities. Their ownership of Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the club’s success on the pitch, and also the continued existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge at our forever home.
“On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge [Raine Group and the UK government] to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important, the investment in supporters and the values we hold dear.”
