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Chelsea’s future remains uncertain as Roman Abramovich's lawyers continue talks with Government

While Roman Abramovich remains optimistic about striking a legal resolution ahead of Chelsea's takeover, the UK Government are yet to agree any terms, fuelling further uncertainty around the club.

Lawyers from both parties are understood to be in talks over how to handle Chelsea's £1.5billion debt to the Russian-Israeli club owner. 

Abramovich initially wanted to write off the debt, however UK Government sanctions blocked that process due to his frozen accounts.

Downing Street continues to have concerns about Abramovich and are worried the 55-year-old could renege on his pledge to waive the debt, despite detailed assurances and planning.

The Government are seeking legally binding assurances that Abramovich doesn't profit or benefit from the sale of the Stamford Bridge club. Despite ongoing uncertainty, lawyers representing the current Blues owner are understood to be confident over their latest proposals.
Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly recently secured a purchase agreement to buy the Premier League club for £4.25billion.

The American magnate has already met with club managers Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes last week. He also attended the men's recent home game against Wolverhampton.

The next big step in the takeover process is for the Premier League to provide the final sign-off on Boehly's consortium through the competition's owners' and directors' test.
What's more, the UK Government would also have to approve Abramovich's plans of donating proceeds to a new charitable foundation.
Former UNICEF UK executive director Mike Penrose is expected to set up the foundation, which would provide humanitarian aid to victims of the war in Ukraine.
Chelsea's temporary Government licence - which allows the club to operate in spite of the sanctions against Abramovich - expires on May 31. Considering the date acts as a hard deadline for the takeover, time is beginning to run out, which only fuels the feeling of uncertainty around Stamford Bridge.
However, once the takeover is complete, Eldridge Industries co-founder Boehly will become controlling owner of the club.
Clearlake Capital will take the majority shareholding in the new Chelsea structure, while the California investment firm's co-founder Behdad Eghbali is due to work closely with Boehly on major decisions at the Blues.

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