World Athletics boss Coe backs Broughton bid to take over Chelsea from Abramovich
World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has backed a bid from Sir Martin Broughton to buy men’s football’s European and world champions Chelsea.
The club’s owner Roman Abramovich has had his assets frozen by the United Kingdom Government in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich was among the seven oligarchs sanctioned last week.
His assets were frozen, a prohibition placed on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, and a ban on travel imposed as part of the Government’s measures.
The billionaire has owned Chelsea since 2003, but put the London-based club up for sale at the start of the month.
Sanctions have hampered his ability to sell the club, with the process being overseen by the country’s Government, the Premier League and New York-based Raine Group.
Former British Airways chairman Broughton, who briefly chaired Liverpool Football Club in 2010, is among the parties interested in purchasing Chelsea.
Broughton has also previously served as head of British American Tobacco.
He and Lord Coe are lifelong Chelsea supporters, and the World Athletics President has thrown his weight behind Broughton’s bid.
“I am certain that Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter,” Coe told the PA news agency.
“He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.
“He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.
“But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder.
read also:World Cup play-offs: Super Eagles suffer Ndidi injury blow against Ghana
“I know that this bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world.
“We love our club and will always put the fans first.”
Coe won men’s 1,500 metres Olympic titles at Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, taking silver in the 800m at both Games.
The former Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party was awarded a Life Peerage in 2000, and led London’s successful bid to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
He has served as World Athletics President since 2015.