The deadline to submit bids was on Friday
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have confirmed that they have held positive discussions with potential buyers over improved fan involvement in the future of the club.
Following Friday’s deadline to submit bids to buy the club from Roman Abramovich – who put the club up for sale after sanctions were imposed on him by the UK government – prospective buyers and fans will now wait for the next steps.
In the run-up to the deadline, the CST revealed a number of expectations they demand from their owners, with one of those including a “golden share,” which would enable fans to have the right to exercise a veto against important decisions.
The supporters’ group released a statement on Saturday in which they detailed the discussions they had held with the club’s potential new owners.
It said: “The CST has played an important role over these difficult weeks.
“Through engaging with MPs and the Government we have ensured the voice of Chelsea fans has been heard at the table when decisions have been made.
“We can also confirm that we have held positive discussions with a number of prospective bidders. We have presented them with detailed plans on how our proposals could be implemented.
“We strongly welcome these proactive discussions and look forward to continuing them in the coming weeks.”
A Chelsea Supporters’ Trust statement. pic.twitter.com/PHVTK1PGZs
— Chelsea Supporters’ Trust⭐️⭐️ (@ChelseaSTrust) March 19, 2022
Two of the frontrunners to become Chelsea’s new owners, Nick Candy and Sir Martin Broughton, have both vowed to meet the demands set by the CST.
During an interview on BBC Radio Four’s Today programme, Broughton said: “We are fully on board with the Tracey Crouch report for more fan involvement.
“I have already sat down with the CST and all the ideas that Tracey Crouch put forward are on the table, including – if desired – an investment opportunity.
“They can come and get all the benefits of ownership and veto rights for free, and we’re open to discounts and investments. We’d be interested (in selling shares at a discount) if that’s what the fans want.”
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