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Clearlake gains full control of Chelsea after share buyout

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Clearlake Takes Full Control

Clearlake Capital took full control of Chelsea Football Club after acquiring the remaining shares.
Todd Boehly and Mark Walter each sold their 12.8% stakes for roughly £950 million cash.
Hansjörg Wyss kept his 12.8% share, remaining a key stakeholder.
Chelsea said day-to-day operations, leadership and strategy will stay unchanged under Clearlake.
Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano will run the club outright.

Summary

Boehly Boasts 3-0

Todd Boehly claimed Chelsea would beat Real Madrid 3-0, drawing widespread mockery.
His off-hand comment about a Premier League All-Star game provoked ridicule from fans and pundits.
Agents said Boehly is personable but lacks solid football knowledge, fearing exploitation.
Chelsea spent £300 million on mismatched signings, including Raheem Sterling’s £325,000-a-week contract.
Supporters grew restless after Thomas Tuchel’s sacking and Graham Potter’s 2022-23 hiring, fearing financial strain.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the Glazer family completed a £790 million leveraged takeover of Manchester United, prompting large fan protests and saddling the club with about £540 million of debt. The 2024 purchase of a 12.8 % stake in Chelsea by Clearlake Capital echoes that pattern, reviving concerns that foreign-backed equity deals can trigger supporter unrest and tighter Premier League ownership scrutiny.

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Clearlake Takes Full Control

Clearlake Capital took full control of Chelsea Football Club after acquiring the remaining shares.
Todd Boehly and Mark Walter each sold their 12.8% stakes for roughly £950 million cash.
Hansjörg Wyss kept his 12.8% share, remaining a key stakeholder.
Chelsea said day-to-day operations, leadership and strategy will stay unchanged under Clearlake.
Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano will run the club outright.

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