Boehly steps down as Chelsea chairman as Clearlake takes full control

Todd Boehly has stepped down as chairman of Chelsea Football Club after selling his ownership stake to Clearlake Capital, paving the way for the US investment firm to assume full control of the Premier League club.

Chelsea confirmed the ownership transition on Wednesday, with Clearlake acquiring the interests held by Boehly and fellow co-owner Mark Walter. Swiss businessman Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder in the ownership group.

Boehly, who became the public face of the consortium that acquired Chelsea in 2022, had served as chairman throughout the club’s four-year ownership period. His departure brings an end to his formal leadership role at Stamford Bridge.

Under the new arrangement, Clearlake will move from being Chelsea’s majority shareholder to having full control of the club. Clearlake previously held a 61.5 per cent stake, while Boehly, Walter and Wyss held the remaining interests.

In a statement, Boehly described his time as Chelsea chairman as an honour and thanked the club’s players, coaches, staff, supporters and other members of the ownership group.

He also expressed confidence in Chelsea’s future under Clearlake’s leadership.

Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano thanked Boehly for his contribution, describing him as an important partner during their ownership of the club.

The ownership transition is not expected to result in immediate changes to Chelsea’s day-to-day operations. The club said there would be no changes to its day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy following the transaction.

Clearlake said it intends to continue with the strategic direction established since the 2022 takeover, including investment in the club’s infrastructure, sporting performance and player development.

The consortium originally acquired Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in May 2022 following the UK government’s sanctions against the Russian businessman. The transaction included £2.5 billion for the club and a further commitment of £1.75 billion for investment in the team, academy, stadium and other areas.

Chelsea have since undergone significant changes in their sporting and managerial structure, including the appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach in 2026.

The latest transaction therefore marks a major change in Chelsea’s ownership structure, while Clearlake’s stated intention is to maintain the club’s existing strategic direction.