Chelsea sale nearly complete after Portugal government ratifies Boehly takeover

The Chelsea sale is finally complete barring an official club confirmation after the Portuguese government issued the last ratification of Todd Boehly’s purchase.

US magnate Boehly is now just a Chelsea announcement away from officially taking control at Stamford Bridge, in what will be a sports franchise record deal of £4.25 billion (€5.06 billion).

Eighty-six days after Roman Abramovich officially put Chelsea up for sale, US billionaire Boehly is poised to take over at the west London club.

Venda do Chelsea FC:Verbas serão utilizadas para fins humanitários.Nota do MNE @govpt ⤵️https://t.co/SL0yEQkKvv

— Negócios Estrangeiros PT (@nestrangeiro_pt) May 26, 2022

Portuguese ratification has been required as Abramovich holds a passport for the European nation.

“Portugal gave authorisation, this Wednesday night, to the sale of Chelsea Football Club,” read a Portuguese government statement.

“The two responsible national authorities – ministry of foreign affairs and ministry of finance – have given the green light to the request received on behalf of Roman Abramovich for a humanitarian derogation, allowing the English club to be transacted.

“The Portuguese authorisation follows the guarantee given by the British authorities that the proceeds from the sale will be used for humanitarian purposes, not directly or indirectly benefiting the owner of the club, who is on the European Union sanctions list.

“The national position has the agreement of the European Commission.”

Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2nd, amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.

The 55-year-old was then sanctioned by the UK government on March 10th, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.

The Russian-Israeli