Todd Boehly Chelsea bid to be sent for Premier League and Government approval

Todd Boehly’s consortium bid to buy Chelsea is now expected to be put forward for Premier League and Government approval, the PA news agency understands.

Roman Abramovich insisted in a statement on Thursday that he still has no plans to keep any of the proceeds from Chelsea’s sale, or seek to have any loans repaid.

Fears were thought to have been raised in Government earlier this week that Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich might renege on his plan to write off Chelsea’s £1.5billion debt.

Abramovich expects that loan to be frozen on completion of Chelsea’s sale, with Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Boehly’s bid now moving ever closer to a Stamford Bridge takeover.

The Government must issue a new licence as the final part of Chelsea’s sale, after Abramovich was sanctioned by Downing Street on March 10.

Boehly and his consortium bid must pass the Premier League owners and directors tests before that last step of Government sign-off.

Abramovich’s moves to clarify his position on Thursday night have paved the way for Chelsea’s sale to keep progressing, with Eldridge Industries boss Boehly still on course to take eventual charge.

In a statement posted on the Chelsea website, a spokesperson for the club owner, said: “Firstly, Mr Abramovich’s intentions in relation to gifting the proceeds from the Chelsea sale to charity have not changed.

“Since the initial announcement, Mr Abramovich’s team has identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities.

“The lead independent expert has had conversations with Government representatives presenting the structure and initial plans.

“Mr Abramovich has not been