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ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as he steps up his bid to return to Inter after just one season.But in better news for Blues fans, the club will be allowed to sell tickets for away games and the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
However, tickets for matches at Stamford Bridge will only be available to season ticket holders and away fans.
And the takeover of Chelsea is edging closer, with just two bids reportedly left standing.
The offer from Todd Boehly is one of them, while a bid backed by former Team GB Olympic gold medalist Seb Coe is the other.
Saudi Media, meanwhile, are OUT.
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Ricketts family issue statement
The Ricketts family have released a statement that they’re still keen on buying Chelsea.
The family addressed Blues fans in the statement and stated that they had listened to the West London club’s supporters fears.
Tom Ricketts said: “My family and I are very grateful to all of the fans and supporters’ groups who took time to meet with us this week and share their passion and concerns for Chelsea Football Club.
“It’s clear you have nothing but the best interests of the club at heart. We have listened to all of your feedback – including from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – and are grateful that the door is still open for us to demonstrate our commitment to working with fans to protect the club’s heritage.
“It is now up to us to redouble our efforts and clearly lay out a vision for our stewardship of the club with diversity and inclusion at its heart.”
Capello slams Lukaku and Abraham’s ability
Fabio Capello has suggested the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham in the Serie A highlights the decline of Italy’s homegrown talent.
Capello claims there are not enough young Italian players coming through the ranks in the Serie A.
And he reckons the successes of ‘average’ Abraham this season with Roma and Lukuka with Inter in the last campaign shows how poor the quality of the Italian league is.
As both players have been average in the Premier League.
Capello said to Sky Sports Italy: “There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper.
“Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions.”
Chelsea supporters worried by Ricketts
Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media this week in their protestation against the Ricketts family’s proposed takeover of their football club, and now the Chelsea Supporters Trust have issued a statement of concern too.
Following the unease with which the news of the Ricketts’ official offer was greeted, the family met with the Chelsea Supporters Trust earlier this week to discuss their intentions.
However, it is understood that fans’ initial concerns have not been appeased, resulting in this afternoon’s correspondence.
The statement reads: “It is essential that the new owners of the club has the confidence of the supporter base and demonstrate an understanding of the values that we stand for.
“That is why the strength of feeling towards the Ricketts family bid from Chelsea supporters cannot and must not be ignored.
“The CST are grateful to the Ricketts family for meeting with us this week. We challenged them on all the points supporters have raised concerns about.
“However, our concerns about their ability to run an inclusive, successful club on behalf of our diverse supporter base around the world have not yet been allayed.”
Credit: @ChelseaSTrust Twitter
Ziyech has overcome system struggle
Hakim Ziyech has admitted that it took him time to adjust to Thomas Tuchel’s preferred system when the German arrived, but now the once-struggling Moroccan is thriving.
The former Ajax man was brought to Stamford Bridge as a winger in 2020, and operated mainly on the right under Frank Lampard’s management.
However, since Tuchel took charge, The Blues have often set up with three centre-halves and two wing-backs, meaning that Ziyech has played most of his football in a central position.
In an interview with ChelseaTV (via 90Min), Ziyech revealed: “[The system] affects me, of course.
“Everybody knows that if I play wide, it’s my best position. When we play four at the back, most of the time I play on the right.
“When we play a back five, we play a different system. I think during the time since [Tuchel] came, I’ve adapted well.
“I think I had more problems that most of the players because I’d never played with a back five. I needed some time and I took that time to adapt, to learn from it and to improve.
“I think in that role, things are much better now than in the beginning.”

Takeover latest: Some Candy talking
Nick Candy’s offer to purchase Chelsea has not made Raine Group’s official shortlist – but the property developer may yet be in with a chance of being part of the club’s ownership.
According to the BBC’s Alistair Magowan, Candy’s Blue Football Consortium have claimed that they have been asked to speak to other bidders and that those talks are now underway.
The bids from the consortiums led by Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton are understood to be the frontrunners to takeover at Stamford Bridge.
Cup semi-final date confirmed
The date for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace has been officially confirmed this morning.
The Blues will face the The Eagles at Wembley on Sunday, 17 April with the game scheduled to kick-off at 4.30pm.
Following successful talks between the government and the football club, Chelsea will be allowed to sell tickets to supporters for the showpiece semi.
Manchester City will face Liverpool in the FA Cup’s other semi-final with that game taking place the previous say at 3.30pm.
Azpi has choice to make
Cesar Azpilicueta is unsure whether to stay at Chelsea or sign for Barcelona, according to reports.
Azpilicueta, 32, could leave the club for free this summer and has already snubbed several offers from the Blues to extend his deal.
The Express claims that the club captain is still torn on what he should do next.
The Spanish star ‘feels deeply rooted’ in London and is ‘proud’ to have been Chelsea skipper since 2019.
But he has been offered an initial two-year deal at Barcelona and the lure of going back to his motherland.
Azpilicueta has refused to commit to either Chelsea or Catalonia as he decides.
Speaking at a press conference whilst on international duty, the wing-back said: “My future? It’s not the place or time to discuss it.
Boehly will bring in Mahrez
Todd Boehly’s consortium will take over at Stamford Bridge this summer – and immediately pinch Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
That’s the latest suggestion from the rumour mill should the American businessman’s bid prove successful.
Boehly is said to be worth £5billion, and his offer is backed by Clearlake Capital, who have assets worth over £60billion.
And the prospective new owners want to make a statement by taking a star player from one of their Premier League rivals.
Despite Mahrez’s sensational form for City, the Algerian has been repeatedly linked with a move away with just over a year to run on his contract.
Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the forward.
Lukaku linked with PSG move
Paris Saint-Germain could be about to end Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare.
The Belgian hitman has endured a torrid time since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Despite arriving for £100m, the 28-year-old has managed just 12 goals in 34 appearances, and now appears second-choice behind Kai Havertz.
Lukaku has previously attempted to manoeuvre a move back to Inter Milan, having publicly aired his unhappiness at Chelsea during a misguided interview with Sky Italia.
And now, according to Caught Offside, big-spending PSG are plotting a move for the striker as they look to revamp their attacking options in the close season.
Ricketts family ‘confident’ of making shortlist
Sky Sports report that the Ricketts family are still in the running to buy Chelsea.
The owners of the Chicago Cubs are said to be ‘confident’ of joining Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly on the shortlist currently being drawn up by Raine Group.
The suggestion will be a concern to Blues supporters who have made their thoughts on the prospective American owners clear.
Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media in recent days using the hashtag #NoToRicketts.
Boehly and Broughton the preferred bidders
It now seems apparent that Raine Group’s favoured candidates for Chelsea ownership are the bids from consortiums led by Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton.
Several news sources are reporting that the two parties are the names at the head of the merchant bank’s shortlist.
The Guardian’s football correspondent Jacob Steinberg has tweeted that Boehly and Broughton are the preferred bidders, but there has been ‘no clarity’ on the offers from Nick Candy and the Ricketts family.
The bid from Saudi Media Group was said to have been ruled out last night.
Hop, skip and out for Italy’s Jorginho
Chelsea’s Jorginho says he will be ‘haunted for life’ by the penalty misses that subsequently cost Italy a place at the 2022 World Cup.
The midfielder – a so-called spotkick expert – twice missed from 12 yards in crucial group games against Switzerland, condemning the Azzurri to the play-offs.
The 30-year-old broke down in tears after last night’s last-gasp defeat to North Macedonia. In an interview with RAI Sport (via Football Italia), Jorginho blubbed: “It hurts when I think about it because I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me.
“People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it’s tough.”

Boehly bid for Blues successful
Todd Boehly’s consortium is among the frontrunners to buy Chelsea Football Club.
The American philanthropist was supposedly informed yesterday that his offer had made it on to the shortlist currently being devised by the Raine Group.
That’s the understanding of The Times, and you expect they would know – their columnist, the Tory peer, Daniel Finkelstein is part of Boehly’s consortium.
The Raine Group are yet to make an official announcement.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Seb Coe is among the frontrunners as the race to buy Chelsea hots up.
The Olympic track legend and diehard Blues fan is part of a consortium going head-to-head with American Todd Boehly.
Nick Candy is the latest Chelsea bidder who has been ruled out of buying the club.
Blues fan Candy along with Woody Johnson haven’t been shortlisted as potential buyers, according to The Athletic.
The news comes just hours after the Saudi Media Group was also ruled of the bidding.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could take TWO YEARS to recover from being sold by Roman Abramovich.
That’s according to The Mirror who claim the Blues’ rivals reckon the West Londoners will need time to recover from the effects of Abramovich selling up.
This is because the Blues’ peers feel whoever comes in next will need time to adapt and spending will have be reigned in.
The Mirror also state there are doubts over whether a joint ownership model would work as well as a single owner like Abramovich did at the helm.
Elsewhere, Chelsea will lobby the Government to lift its bizarre ban on them selling tickets to home Premier League games.
The club is baffled by the decision to single out home league matches when they now have the go-ahead to flog seats at Champions League games.
Chelsea plans to go back to the Government to seek further guidance and clarification in the hope of a U-turn.
Fans have reacted angrily to the confusing move by the Government.
Finally, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants to speak to the new Manchester United manager before deciding on his future.
BILD journalist Christian Falk believes the German international would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but first wants to hear from the club’s new coach on their vision for the coming seasons.
Rudiger’s transfer plans revealed
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger would only consider a move to Manchester United if he spoke to the new permanent manager first, reports suggest.
According to Bild’s Christian Falk, the centre-back won’t make any decisions regarding his future before the Champions League quarter-final matches against Real Madrid.
Falk tweeted: “[Rudiger] will make no decision before the Matches against ⁦[Real Madrid] about his future.
“He hopes on the one hand that the difficult situation at ⁦[Chelsea]⁩ will be cleared up. On the other hand: Real is also still interested.”
He added: “A decision about a future of [Rudiger] at [United] is difficult. Rudiger would like to Talk with the new Coach before…”
Chelsea plan ticket challenge
Chelsea will lobby the Government to lift its bizarre ban on them selling tickets to home Premier League games.
The club is baffled by the decision to single out home league matches when they now have the go-ahead to flog seats at Champions League games.
Chelsea plans to go back to the Government to seek further guidance and clarification in the hope of a U-turn.
Fans have reacted angrily to the confusing move by the Government.
The Chelsea Supporters Trust issued a statement which read: “The Trust will urgently seek clarification from the DCMS & Chelsea FC on why CFC members will not be able to purchase tickets to home Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.
“The sanctions were not brought in to punish supporters – this decision is illogical and unfounded.”
Two to go
Seb Coe is among the frontrunners as the race to buy Chelsea hots up.
The Olympic track legend and diehard Blues fan is part of a consortium going head-to-head with American Todd Boehly.
Several bidders were told on Thursday they had not made the shortlist to take over at the crisis-hit Premier League giants.
They included former US diplomat Woody Johnson, the Saudi Media Group, London finance firm Aethel and colourful Turkish investor Muhsin Bayrak.
Individual groups have been steadily learning their fate over the last 24 hours as a process of elimination begins to find new owners for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Candy ruled out of Chelsea bidding
Nick Candy is the latest Chelsea bidder who has been ruled out of buying the club.
Blues fan Candy along with Woody Johnson haven’t been shortlisted as potential buyers, according to The Athletic.
The news comes just hours after the Saudi Media Group was also ruled of the bidding.
Americans lead Chelsea hunt
Chelsea are in line to have American owners if reports are anything to go by.
The two groups leading the race to acquire the Blues are led by US billionaires, according to the Financial Times.
Todd Boehly heads up the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group.
And the other investment group is led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, two private equity billionaires who own the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and several other soccer clubs through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
Alonso wants La Liga transfer
Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is hoping for a move to the La Liga when his contract ends next summer.
And he revealed that he wouldn’t mind playing for Barcelona, Real, or Atletico Madrid.
He said to AS: “I would love to play in La Liga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.
“At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be.
When asked about a potential switch to any of the Spanish trio he raved: “Yes, yes, I have family ties on all sides… Chelsea right now. I have a contract for this and one more season.”
Rudiger price revealed
Man United will have to depart with £25million plus add-ons to recruit Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger looks set to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract ends in the summer.
But the German’s representatives are demanding any interested parties cough up a £25m signing on fee plus £5m-a-year in wages after tax.
That’s according to journalist Duncan Castles who said on the Transfer Window Podcast: “The price that his representatives are asking for is €30million signing on fee and a basic wage of at least €6m after-tax each year.”
Chelsea’s Champions League plan
Chelsea star Marcos Alonso has revealed that the Blues will be treating every game in the Champions League like a final.
He said: “There are no easy matches in the Champions League and even less so in these knockout ties.
“All the teams are heavy-hitters and from now on, every game will be played with the importance of a final.”
Winterburn on Tammy Abraham
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn reckons Tammy Abraham would’ve been a perfect signing for Arsenal before he left Chelsea to join Roma.
Speaking to FreeSuperTips, Winterburn said: ‘Back in the summer when he was moving, there was a link with Arsenal, I don’t know how strong, but he fits into the bill of what Arsenal were trying to do.’
‘A young player with huge potential, so my opinion doesn’t change that he would have been a great option for Arsenal.
Chelsea recovery scrutinized
Chelsea could take TWO YEARS to recover from being sold by Roman Abramovich.
That’s according to The Mirror who claim the Blues’ rivals reckon the West Londoners will need time to recover from the effects of Abramovich selling up.
This is because the Blues’ peers feel whoever comes in next will need time to adapt and spending will have be reigned in.
The Mirror also state there are doubts over whether a joint ownership model would work as well as a single owner like Abramovich did at the helm.
Lukaku’s Inter return dismissed
Romelu Lukaku’s chances of returning to Inter Milan this summer are slim despite the Belgian reportedly personally offering his services to the Serie A club.
That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin who claims Inter’s chiefs don’t share Lukaku’s enthusiasm over him coming back to Italy.
Biasin said on Twitch: “He personally made himself known to the Inter managers, he tried to understand if there are any possibilities to return.”
“But the chances right now are really minimal. He earns a lot. He would be willing to cut his salary, but a deal worth over €100 million was made, it is difficult to think they can loan him back.
“Also because Lukaku has two offers from those who would like to invest in him, in the Premier League.”
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ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as he steps up his bid to return to Inter after just one season.But in better news for Blues fans, the club will be allowed to sell tickets for away games and the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
However, tickets for games at Stamford Bridge will only be available to season ticket holders and away fans.
Meanwhile Nick Candy has “significantly increased” his Chelsea bid from £2bn to over £2.5bn, according to reports.
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Clarke’s Scotland vs Ukraine doubts
Scotland boss Steve Clarke reckons his side won’t face Ukraine for a spot at the World Cup until SEPTEMBER.
The Scots were meant to take on Ukraine this week but the match was delayed until June following Russia’s invasion of their Eastern European neighbours.
But Clarke doubts the match will take place this summer as the war rages on.
He said: “It’s difficult to see how we’ll be playing them in June. It’s not just about the fixture.
“It’s the fact they need to get together, have a training camp and get players on the pitch with a proper period to prepare for such an important game.”
Muntari stuns fans with display
Former Portsmouth star Sulley Muntari has proved class is permanent with a man-of-the-match display for Ghanian side Hearts of Oak.
The ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan midfielder came out of retirement earlier this year aged 37 to play for the Accra-based team.
Prior to the stunning return in his native Ghana, former Pompey star Muntari had not played professionally since a two-game spell with Spanish third-tier side Albacete way back in 2019.
But in a 2-1 win over Obuasi Ashantigold in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday, Muntari was star man after a midfield masterclass.
According to Ghanaweb, Muntari was at his “scintillating” best in the victory.
The performance only added to Muntari’s fairytale return to football, with the midfielder helping Hearts of Oak lift the President’s Cup earlier this month.

Christophe Dugarry looks unrecognisable
Former France international Christophe Dugarry looks unrecognisable 17 years after hanging up his boots.
The ex-AC Milan and Barcelona forward was a part of the French World Cup winning squad from 1998.
But these days he looks vastly different – mainly due to the absence of his trademark long hair.
Dugarry has shaved off his locks and it has transformed his appearance no end.

Alonso aims dig at Lampard
Marcos Alonso has weighed into the debate on Frank Lampard with a sly comment regarding the Everton manager’s tactical nous.
Lampard has had his managerial ability questioned lately after his new side were smashed 4-0 at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, shortly after a 5-0 defeat at Tottenham.
And now his former player has put the boot in with the suggestion that he is unable to set up a side to defend.
In an interview with AS (via The Daily Mail), Alonso said: “Since [Thomas Tuchel] arrived, the team took a leap tactically and when it came to defending. We are very happy with it.”
Alonso was ostracised from the Chelsea first team during Lampard’s reign, making just three appearances in the manager’s final season.
Jorginho could join Chelsea exodus
Jorginho is the latest player who looks set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer with a return to Serie A on the cards.
The 30-year-old still has 15 months to run on his contract, but The Blues are considering cashing in on the wantaway midfielder.
The Italian’s agent, Joao Santos, has sparked the transfer talk after comments made to Tuttomercatoweb (via Football Italia).
Speaking about Jorginho’s future, he said: “Playing in Serie A is a dream for him and his heart remains here. As things stand today, he could play for four or five clubs: Milan, Inter, Juve, Roma or Napoli.
“There are many clubs interested in him. In the past I spoke to PSG, Barcelona and also Milan’s Ricky Massara.”
Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, and Romelu Lukaku are all considering departing Chelsea at the end of this season.

Rudiger waiting on new United boss
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants to speak to the new Manchester United manager before deciding on his future.
BILD journalist Christian Falk believes the German international would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but first wants to hear from the club’s new coach on their vision for the coming seasons.
Rudiger is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of this season, and unlikely to sign a new deal while the club remains sanctioned and in the process of a takeover.
The news is likely to force United to speed up their decision on their incoming boss.
Tuchel nominated for Manager of the Month
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is in contention to be named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for March.
The Blues won all three of their league games in what was a tumultuous month off the pitch, and also qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals.

Burnley 0-4 Chelsea (Mar 5)
Norwich 1-3 Chelsea (Mar 10)
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle (Mar 13)

Other candidates include Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte.
Tuchel has previously won the award on one occasion this season, having led his side to four wins from four in October.
Even Stephens? New names in Chelsea running
Stephen Pagliuca, the co-owner of basketball’s Boston Celtics and Serie A’s Atalanta, has emerged as the latest businessman who has submitted a bid to buy Chelsea Football Club.
Sky News’ Mark Kleinman reports that the private equity executive made his offer to the Raine Group ahead of Friday’s deadline.
However, with his wealth estimated to be in the hundreds of millions rather than billions, experts believe that it is unlikely that Pagliuca has acted alone.
Meanwhile, Sky News also reveal that Empowerment IP, a rights monetisation firm headed by the sports financier Stephen Duval, have revised their offer to the region of £3.1billion
Empowerment is said to have included ‘a fan bond in its offer that would commit to Chelsea supporters owning no less than 25% of the shares’.
Abraham will cost clubs £100m
Roma have slapped a £100million asking price on star striker Tammy Abraham.
The England international has been a hit at the Stadio Olimpico since moving to Italy in the summer, and scored two more in Sunday’s derby with Lazio to take his tally to 23 for the season.
And now the Serie A club are attempting to ward off interested parties by placing a huge price tag on the forward.
The Mail suggest that Chelsea have a buy-back option of £67million – but that doesn’t come into effect until next year.
Abraham has four years to run on his current deal with Roma.

Azpi unwilling to discuss future
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says it is not the right time to discuss his future with the club in the middle of a complicated takeover.
The 32-year-old defender is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, and is widely expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Speaking to reporters while on international duty with Spain, Azpilicueta said: “This is not the place or the time. What we have learned with the pandemic is to live day to day and in the moment.”
However, the Blues skipper did admit that the current issues at London club were having an effect on the squad.
“We are living in moments of uncertainty at Chelsea, that is the reality.
“The uncertainty isn’t great, but what we players have to do is work. We are entering a decisive phase of the season and the situation is out of our hands.”
Rice would prefer Chelsea move
England star Declan Rice would favour a move to Chelsea if he was to leave West Ham this summer, report the Evening Standard.
The Hammers midfielder has been repeatedly linked with the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’ with The Blues and Manchester United considered to be leading the chase.
However, it is now understood that Rice would prefer a return to Stamford Bridge and the club he was released from as a child despite their current restrictions in the transfer market.
With three years still remaining on his contract, West Ham have slapped a £150million asking price on the 23-year-old, who David Moyes hopes to build future sides around.
Rice is said to have an ‘urgent’ desire to play Champions League football, and has every chance of qualifying to do so with the Hammers, either through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League.

Good morning Chelsea fans
Ian Wright says it’s unfair Conor Gallagher will not be allowed to play for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and admitted he’d have been ‘devastated’ if it had ever happened to him during his playing days.
The pundit said on his Wrighty’s House podcast: “If you’ve let a player go from the start of the season then yes he’s your player.
“For Conor Gallagher to go to Palace and take them to the levels. He’s one of the main reasons they’re doing what they’re doing.
“He’s helped get them to a semi-final at Wembley which is what we all dream of as professionals and he can’t play because his parent club is there. There’s something not fair about that. I’d be devastated if I was in his position.”
Meanwhile, Man City are monitoring the progress of England newbie Tyrick Mitchell.
City are in the market for a new left-back and are keeping track of the youngster’s progress, as are Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Elsewhere, potential new Chelsea owner Nick Candy is reportedly receiving backing from AC Milan’s American owners.
Sky News claims Candy has now added American hedge fund group Elliot Management to his team.
The New York-based investor, a global leader in finance and boardroom activism which has £39bn in assets, owns Serie A table toppers AC Milan.
Another Blues bidder Tom Ricketts’ controversial bid to buy Chelsea has surprise backing — from a leading US Muslim.
The Chicago Cubs baseball outfit’s owner has lodged a formal offer for Roman Abramovich’s Blues.
But political fallout from his father’s views on race are dogging the campaign.
Ricketts’ Christian dad Joe claimed Muslims are ‘my natural enemy’ in emails which surfaced in 2019 and now some Chelsea fans do not want the family gaining control of their club.
But in a shock move, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago has come out in support of the Ricketts camp.
And finally, Chelsea can sell tickets again after having their special license altered by the UK government.
The Blues had been banned from flogging tickets to fans since Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen earlier this month.
This resulted in just 600 away season ticket holders being able to attend their FA Cup clash at Middlesbrough last weekend.
But that situation has now been rectified – meaning that the Blues will not have to play their Champions League quarter-final home leg against Real Madrid behind closed doors.
They will now also be able to have Chelsea fans in attendance at the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley – as well as for their remaining Premier League games.
Money generated from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League, who will decide where to pass the revenue on.
Ricketts’ Chelsea bid surprise backing
Tom Rickett’s controversial bid to buy Chelsea has surprise backing — from a leading US Muslim.
The Chicago Cubs baseball outfit’s owner has lodged a formal offer for Roman Abramovich’s Blues.
But political fallout from his father’s views on race are dogging the campaign.
Ricketts’ Christian dad Joe claimed Muslims are ‘my natural enemy’ in emails which surfaced in 2019 and now some Chelsea fans do not want the family gaining control of their club.
But in a shock move, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago has come out in support of the Ricketts camp.
Russia make Euro 2028 bid
Spineless world football bosses have been left shame-faced after Russia was disgracefully allowed to bid for Euro 2028.
In a move that left disbelieving FA chiefs stunned into silence, Russia announced a deadline-busting bid to host either the 2028 or 2032 tournament.
That move also prompted Turkey to bid, hoping to take advantage of the Russian muck-raking and a split field to gain a shock victory.
Wembley’s high command now face a £10million bill to ensure their bid wins and they host the tournament across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
A decision is set to be made by Uefa’s ruling executive committee in September 2023.
Johnstone withdraws from England squad
Sam Johnstone has withdrawn from the England squad after being struck with an illness.
The West Brom stopper was brought in to replace the crocked Aaron Ramsdale on Monday.
But Johnstone’s joy was short-lived when it was revealed that he also wasn’t well enough for England duty.
And now, he’s been swapped with Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster who received his first England call-up.
David Alba fears Bale
Gareth Bale’s got enough individual ability to put Wales past Austria in the World Cup play-offs tomorrow.
That’s the opinion of his Real Madrid team-mate and Austrian star David Alba who fears Bale can ruin his country’s chances singlehandedly.
Alba said: “Gareth is a really super-cool person outside the pitch, and great on the pitch as well,” Alaba said.
“We have a very good relationship, we talk a lot and we’ve joked about this game.
“Gareth can decide games himself and he’s not always easy to be stopped, but we want to focus on ourselves and our own game.”
Haaland’s transfer enquiries
Erling Haaland has asked Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard about life at Real Madrid amid mounting transfer speculation.
Real are among those keeping tabs on Haaland as they have entered an intense bidding war with Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona.
The attacking midfielder knows a lot about life at the Santiago Bernabeu and confirmed that him and his fellow Norwegian spoke about it but it was “not anything special”.
Odegaard said while on international duty with Norway: “We are good friends so we talk about lots of things, like when I was there.
“So yeah we talked about it but it’s not anything special.”
Jorginho eyes Chelsea exit
Chelsea star Jorginho’s future at Stamford Bridge has been plunged into doubt as his agent admits he’d be up for a “dream” Serie A return.
The midfielder’s representative Joao Santos specified his client could go to “AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma or Napoli” and admitted he also held talks with Paris Saint-Germain as well as Barcelona.
Santos told Tuttomercatoweb, as per Football Italia: “Playing in Serie A is a dream for him and his heart remains here.
“As things stand today, he could play for four or five clubs: Milan, Inter, Juve, Roma or Napoli.”
Chelsea ticket ban lifted
Chelsea can sell tickets again after having their special license altered by the UK government.
The Blues had been banned from flogging tickets to fans since Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen earlier this month.
This resulted in just 600 away season ticket holders being able to attend their FA Cup clash at Middlesbrough last weekend.
But that situation has now been rectified – meaning that the Blues will not have to play their Champions League quarter-final home leg against Real Madrid behind closed doors.
They will now also be able to have Chelsea fans in attendance at the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley – as well as for their remaining Premier League games.
Money generated from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League, who will decide where to pass the revenue on.
Kepa relaxes with girlfriend
Kepa is currently enjoying a romantic Bahamas getaway with Miss Universe girlfriend Andrea Martinez.
The Chelsea stopper hasn’t joined up with the Spain national team after he and David de Gea were left out in favour of Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Brentford’s David Raya.
It appears Kepa’s back-up plan, however, isn’t too shabby.
The 27-year-old has jetted off to the Bahamas for a fun mid-season getaway with girlfriend Andrea.
Kepa can be seen beaming from ear to ear in a sun hat while sunbathing in a recent Instagram post.
The goalkeeper is pictured clutching a glass of fizz alongside his bikini-clad other half, who is also wearing a big smile.

Pogba’s open to PSG transfer
Paul Pogba has opened the door to a transfer to PSG after expressing his frustration with Man United’s success over the past five years.
Pogba said to Le Figaro about a possible move to Paris: “Why not? It’s always nice to play with your team-mates in the national team and club.
“This year it is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it is with Manchester United or at another club, I want to win trophies.”
Man City owners buy eleventh club
Man City’s owners City Football Group have agreed a deal to buy their eleventh club.
The football powerhouses have agreed to buy Dutch club NAC Breda edging out building contractor Karel Vrolijk following a shareholders investigation.
An official club statement read: “We presented the results of our investigation to the shareholders. 
“On that basis, they have chosen to sell their shares to City Football Group. 
“All other parties that have applied since the start of the sales process have now been informed and thanked for their efforts.
“With City Football Group, which already has a long-term collaboration with NAC, an agreement was reached this week subject to approval by the Supervisory Board, NOAD Foundation, the KNVB and the municipality of Breda. 
“With this, the sales process is entering the final phase and the shareholders and City Football Group assume that preparations for the new season can be started in the short term.”
Candy’s backed by AC Milan owners
Potential new Chelsea owner Nick Candy is reportedly receiving backing from AC Milan’s American owners.
The British businessman is one of many hoping to replace Roman Abramovich at the top of the CFC Group.
And he exclusively told SunSport last week that he intends to continue Chelsea’s transfer model which has brought unprecedented success to Stamford Bridge.
Candy, who originally bid £2billion, returned with an improved offer for Chelsea earlier this week after getting a new Korean backer to join his consortium.
And Sky News claims Candy has now added American hedge fund group Elliot Management to his team.
The New York-based investor, a global leader in finance and boardroom activism which has £39bn in assets, owns Serie A table toppers AC Milan.
Bale’s raring to go
Gareth Bale has declared himself fit to play in Wales’ World Cup play-off against Austria.
He said ahead of the game: “It’s normal to have some niggles.
“I’ve been training for the last two and a half months.
“I’m in a lot better shape than I was in the last camp where I’d been out for about three months. I’m ready to play whatever is necessary tomorrow.”
Kane pays tribute to Paul Jiggins
England captain Harry Kane has paid tribute to SunSport’s Spurs correspondent Paul Jiggins, whose passing last week shocked the football world.
The Spurs superstar announced: “Before we start today, I’d just like to pay my respects to Paul Jiggins and his family.
“Obviously Paul followed me at Millwall, with the England Under-21s and at Tottenham.
“A lot of people in this room would have known him and from me and all the team we send our condolences to his friends and family.”

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