Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge to protest against the Ricketts family’s proposed takeover of the club.
The fans were concerned after leaked emails suggested that members of the Family made some “Racist and Islamophobic Comments.” Just a day after the demonstration outside Stamford Bridge, the Ricketts Family have released an 8-point plan for the club if they emerge as the new owners.
The Ricketts and the Todd Boehly Consortium are still the frontrunners in the race to buy Chelsea. However, recent reports suggest the Ricketts are the favorites, as they have met with several Chelsea executives and also the Chelsea Supporters Trust.
Ricketts Family 8-Points Agenda
1- Make no change to the club’s crest or the team’s color without the consent of Supporters.
Roman Abramovich did this after he took over in 2003, He rebranded the club. Manchester City owners also changed the crest of the club some years ago. The Ricketts are promising not to change anything without the consent of the fans.
2- Never take part in the Super League and also protect the Heritage and integrity of the West London Club.
3- Commit the resources necessary across all levels of the club to continue winning trophies, including investing in the first team, experienced football leadership, and the academy.
As well as this sounds, many Chelsea fans still do not trust the Ricketts family, based on how they manage the Chicago Cubs
4- Put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club and fight against any form of discrimination or inequality.
They look ready to show that they are all about equality despite the accusations leveled against them.
5- Create an Advisory Committee with diverse representation to ensure our decisions are informed by: a former men’s and women’s first team player, members of the CST and Chelsea Pitch Owners, and influential community leaders.
Creating committees before making decisions will not be popular among Chelsea fans. Blues fans have grown accustomed to quick and ruthless decisions from Roman Abramovich over the years.
6-Explore every option to redevelop Stamford Bridge and do everything in our power to keep playing in this historic stadium.
Abramovich made plans on this before the whole political issue started back in 2019. Chelsea even released a new stadium design some years ago.
7-Match the current commitment to Chelsea F.C. Women and increase the number of women’s matches played at Stamford Bridge.
This does not sound good enough. Chelsea Ladies are already one of the best. They should promise to take the team to the next level.
8- Continue the vital charitable work of the Chelsea Foundation, seeking to use the power of football and sport to motivate, educate and inspire.”
These plans do not look direct enough. They are promising to match what Chelsea FC currently have. That might not be enough in the current European football climate where the standards get higher every year.
