Lord Sebastian Coe is reportedly ready to team up with Sir Martin Broughton in staking a claim at Chelsea following Roman Abramovich’s sanction.
According to a report from Daily Mirror, Lord Sebastian Coe has confirmed his candidacy for a potential role at Chelsea, joining up with Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium, which has already lodged a bid to acquire the west London outfit.
Broughton is a British businessman, currently serving as the deputy chairman of the International Airlines Group, which is the parent company for Airline giants such as British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. He had also served as the chairman of Liverpool back in 2010.
Lord Sebastian Coe, meanwhile, is a former British track and field athlete. He had won four Olympic medals during his career, including the 1500 metres gold medals in 1980 and 1984. The 65-year-old is currently serving as the Chelsea Foundation trustee and is the sitting President of World Athletics.
Lord Sebastian Coe’s impressive CV could add real firepower to Broughton’s bid to sign Chelsea, who have recently received Government aid in the form of easing restrictions after having their assets frozen earlier this month.
“I am certain that Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter. He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation,” Coe told the PA news agency.
“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. I know that this bid is for millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first,” he added.
While the Blues are still under a transfer embargo and multiple spending restrictions, including expenses on away matches, the club could soon be on the verge of an upturn in fortunes, as consortiums around the world look to prevail in their bid to sign the football club.
Aside from ex-Liverpool chairman Broughton, Chelsea have been courted by a private Saudi Arabian consortium, while Swiss-American duo Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss are considered as potential candidates as well.
Also Read: Chelsea and Abramovich in limbo: What do the UK government sanctions mean for the club?
Even Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak has confirmed his bid to sign Chelsea, so the club could be in for crunch times ahead. In the meantime, though, the Blues will look to focus on their on-field performances and do well, especially in the Champions League, as retaining the title could seriously help the club from avoiding going into administration.