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    Middlesbrough to donate proceeds from Chelsea clash to Ukraine war aid as boss Wilder says he has NO sympathy for Blues

    MIDDLESBROUGH have announced they will donate a share of the proceeds from this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea to charitable causes in Ukraine.The Championship side are expecting a sell-out of around 34,000 fans for Saturday evening’s game.
    Middlesbrough will donate a share of their gate receipts to Ukraine war aid – with boss Chris Wilder taking a swipe at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And Boro have generously revealed they will donate a share of their gate receipts to humanitarian aid in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
    A club statement read: “On behalf of the people of Middlesbrough and Teesside, Middlesbrough FC will donate its share of the gate receipts from the FA Cup sixth round tie against Chelsea to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
    “The club’s Member of Parliament Andy McDonald will assist with due diligence to ensure best delivery and maximum impact.”
    Middlesbrough have already been awarded 3,200 additional tickets meant for Chelsea fans after the Blues were banned from selling them.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BORO VS CHELSEA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the latest info as Blues travel to Teesside for FA Cup quarter-final
    Club owner Roman Abramovich was slapped with sanctions banning him from making any money from the club.
    Chelsea were granted a special licence allowing them to operate – but are still barred from selling tickets, merchandise or even players.
    Blues chiefs had pleaded with the Government to allow them to have some supporters on Teesside.
    Once that request was rebuffed, they audaciously demanded the match go ahead without ANY fans ‘for matters of sporting integrity’.
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    However, the FA confirmed Chelsea had agreed to withdraw their outrageous appeal in a humiliating U-turn after Middlesbrough promised to ‘resist Chelsea’s actions in the strongest terms.’
    And Boro boss Chris Wilder slammed the ‘baffling’ decision from Chelsea during the ticket row.
    Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Wilder said: “99.9 per cent of people who love the game thought ‘what is going on?’.
    “It was certainly a decision that was met universally with displeasure.
    “It was baffling.”
    ‘NO SYMPATHY’
    Meanwhile, Wilder had his say on the Chelsea situation – with Abramovich only allowed to sell the club after confirming he would not accept any of the proceeds.
    The Middlesbrough chief incredibly revealed he has ‘no sympathy’ for the Blues – and pointed to Macclesfield and Bury, who were wound up over debts and expelled from the Football League respectively in recent years.
    Wilder claimed: “The club is not in jeopardy, is it?
    “It’s not a situation like a Macclesfield or a Bury in the football pyramid.
    “It will go up for sale and it will be bought by a billionaire, who will possibly invest more money into it.
    “They’ll possibly invest in the stadium, invest in the facilities…
    “So I don’t think there is – in the football world – an incredible amount of sympathy over what’s happening.
    “And I don’t think Chelsea supporters would expect that as well.” More

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    How Chelsea could line-up against Middlesbrough in FA Cup with Thomas Tuchel having doubts over three stars

    CHELSEA could be without three key stars for their FA Cup quarter-final against Championship side Middlesbrough. The Blues were without Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi for their Champions League second leg clash against Lille.
    Tuchel could be without James, Christensen and Hudson-OdoiCredit: GETTY
    Chalobah could start in Chelsea’s defence
    And Andreas Christensen limped off in the first half.
    But it didn’t stop Chelsea from scoring two on the night, winning the tie 4-1 overall to progress into the quarter-finals, where they will now face Real Madrid.
    The three academy graduates are doubts for Saturday’s fixture.
    Boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed: “We have Reece, Callum and Andreas Christensen uncertain.
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    “They are in training but not in full training yesterday so let’s see. We still some checks to do and it can be a very tight race, maybe too close.”
    With Chelsea looking to win some silverware this season, Tuchel could look to line-up strong.
    Edouard Mendy could be the man in between the sticks with Trevoh Chalobah, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva protecting him.
    N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic could hold down the midfield for the Blues.
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    Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could start on the flanks.
    Timo Werner could be handed some minutes alongside Christian Pulisic.
    And in-form Kai Havertz may get the nod to start up front over Romelu Lukaku.
    Alternatively, Lukaku could start up top and Hakim Ziyech may start on the right-hand side.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek may also be handed minutes to impress.
    Alternatively, Lukaku, Ziyech and Loftus-Cheek could start More

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    Thomas Tuchel shuts down Man Utd talk as German insists he has ‘plenty of reasons’ to stay at Chelsea despite turmoil

    CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has shut down talks of a switch to rivals Manchester United and insists he has ‘plenty of reasons’ to stay put.The Blues have had a hectic last few weeks after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
    Tuchel says he has ‘plenty of reasons’ to stay put at ChelseaCredit: GETTY
    Abramovich had his assets frozen due to his close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
    As a result of the sanctions, Chelsea have been unable to sell home or away match tickets.
    The club has also been banned from selling merchandise.
    Players can’t be bought, sold or have their contracts extended – running the risk of losing key players whose deals are set to expire this summer.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GOLD CUP LIVE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Cheltenham Gold Cup day latest updates as week reaches thrilling finale
    Despite the turmoil behind the scenes, the European champions are doing their job on the pitch.
    Chelsea are through to the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
    Such progress are one of many reasons Tuchel would stay put at Stamford Bridge, despite being linked with a move to Man Utd.
    In response to a question over his future, Tuchel said: “I said many times, I love working for Chelsea Football Club. 
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    “This club has everything here to make me happy. There are plenty of reasons to stay.”
    The Blues will face Real Madrid in the quarters of the Champions League next month.
    Tuchel’s men will travel to the Bernabeu first before they welcome Real to Stamford Bridge.
    However, It is still unclear whether Chelsea will be able to sell tickets for the match. More

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    Thomas Tuchel confirms Chelsea WILL fly to Middlesbrough as government allows Blues to spend OVER £20k travel budget

    THOMAS TUCHEL has confirmed that Chelsea will be able to fly to the North East for their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough this weekend.As part of their special license to keep operating awarded by the government after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned, the Blues were limited to just £20,000-per-game in travel expenses.
    Thomas Tuchel and Co will be able to fly to the North East this weekendCredit: Getty
    This limit would have seen Chelsea stars have to undergo a ten-hour coach journey to Middlesbrough for tomorrow’s match.
    The Blues have worked diligently behind the scenes to try and have their license tweaked to allow for greater flexibility with travel.
    And boss Tuchel has revealed that their efforts have been successful.
    The German, 48, said: “Everybody worked hard to make it happen and it has gone through.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Latest Cheltenham 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GOLD CUP LIVE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Cheltenham Gold Cup day latest updates as week reaches thrilling finale
    “So it’s organised that we can travel by plane, which is very, very good because as you know, we had the last match with only two days in between to rest, and it’s very important to minimise the time of travel and maximise the time for recovery to reduce the risk of injury.
    “So yeah, we’re very happy. Everything is organised as usual and we can prepare in a normal way.”
    Despite this small victory, the Blues remain unable to sell tickets or merchandise under the current sanctions.
    They will be backed by just 600 fans at the Riverside, with only those holding an away season ticket or a hospitality season ticket purchased prior to the government sanctions able to go.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    Chelsea stars will fly in comfortCredit: Getty
    Chelsea tried to have tomorrow’s match played behind closed doors, citing ‘sporting integrity’ as a key reason.
    But their request was swiftly retracted following a furious backlash.
    Tuchel added: “There are sanctions for a certain reason and we also have to respect this.
    “So I don’t think it makes much sense if I shout out that we have to protect integrity of the competition and make a huge point out of it.
    “We also have sanctions that we have to follow, like it or not, and now I have trust in the board, who are in dialogue with Uefa and the Government here, to find maybe an exemption and logic exemptions to find solutions [so] that the spectators can be in the stadium.
    But we all have to respect that we are in this situation and adapt to whatever comesThomas Tuchel
    “Of course we can see a point that it should not be put on the spectators not to attend matches like this, but it needs to be in the regularities and I’m absolutely sure and aware that the board is trying hard to find solutions for the situation.
    “But we all have to respect that we are in this situation and adapt to whatever comes.”
    Bidders for the club have until 9pm today to lodge their offers to the Raine Group who are overseeing the sale.
    A number of candidates have emerged, including Todd Boehly, Nick Candy and the Saudi Media Group, among others.
    The Blues were desperate to avoid a ten-hour coach rideCredit: Getty More

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    Uefa may not reverse Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final despite Atletico Madrid playing Man City on same days

    UEFA may not reverse Chelsea’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid following the quarter-final draw.Therefore, the first leg between the Blues and Real could yet be played at Stamford Bridge despite Atletico Madrid still being in the competition
    Chelsea may take on Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in the first fixtureCredit: Getty
    That means the crucial return fixture could happen at the Santiago Bernabeu.
    The reason behind a potential tie turn was that the two Madrid clubs couldn’t be at home in the same leg as per standard procedure.
    In 2019, both Manchester City and Manchester United were drawn at home in the second leg of the quarter-finals but the latter’s tie was reversed.
    Atletico will take on Manchester City after eliminating the Premier League champions’ rivals Manchester United in the Last 16.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GOLD CUP LIVE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Queen of Cheltenham Rachael Blackmore beats Fergie to win Gold Cup
    But Atleti’s tie also remains unchanged against Pep Guardiola’s Premier League high-flyers at the moment.
    Chelsea have been plunged into financial turmoil after owner Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions by the UK government.
    This is due to Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine and Abramovich’s alleged ties with president Vladimir Putin.
    The west Londoners now face a tall task in their bid to defend their European crown against the Champions League’s most successful club.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    As it stands, Atletico, whose tie takes precedence as they are the Spanish champions, will travel to England to take on City at the Etihad on April 6.
    And their crucial second leg will take place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on April 13.
    Thomas Tuchel’s men will be in action on the same days against Real. More

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    Champions League quarter final draw sets up all-English semi for Chelsea and City… and Liverpool could await in final

    CHELSEA and Manchester City are on a Champions League collision course if they make it to the semi-finals.The two clubs met in last season’s final, where the Blues claimed the crown with a 1-0 win thanks to a Kai Havertz’s strike.
    Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea could face Pep Guardiola’s Man City in the Champions League semisCredit: Getty
    Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool landed a great tie with BenficaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

    Now they could lock horns again, this time in the last-four, if they can both navigate their way past the quarters.
    Chelsea and City both face Spanish inquisitions, with the holders being paired with 13-time winners Real Madrid.
    Thomas Tuchel’s West London outfit will face Los Blancos, managed by ex-Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, at Stamford Bridge first before the return leg at the Bernabeu.
    Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions were then drawn again Man Utd’s conquerors Atletico Madrid.
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FESTIVAL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    The Cityzens will also enjoy home advantage in the first leg – and will do so again in the last four should they make it through.
    And the winners of those ties will meet in the semis to determine who makes it to the final in Paris.
    Tuchel’s side beat Real in last season’s semis, a 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu followed by goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount in a 2-0 win at the Bridge.
    The two teams had only previously met in the 1998 Super Cup Final, won by a Gustavo Poyet goal for the Blues and the 1971 Cup Winners Cup Final where Chelsea lifted the trophy after a 2-1 replay win in Athens.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    Remarkably, City have never played Atletico before.
    Liverpool were left smiling after being paired with outsiders Benfica in today’s draw in Nyon.
    However, they are likely to have to get past Bayern Munich in the last four, with the second leg in Bavaria.
    Jurgen Klopp’s men will have home advantage for the second leg but Anfield would then see the first leg of the semi-final, against Villarreal or Bayern.
    Quarter-finals (5/6 and 12/13 April): Chelsea v Real Madrid, Manchester City v Atletico Madrid, Villarreal v Bayern Munich, Benfica v Liverpool
    Semi-finals (26/27 April and 3/4 May): Manchester City or Atletico Madrid v Chelsea or Real Madrid, Benfica or Liverpool v Villarreal or Bayern Munich More

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    Chelsea takeover race comes down to final hours with 9pm deadline to get billion-pounds bids in before new owner decided

    THE BIDDING war for Chelsea has reached the final hours as the 9pm deadline for potential new owners dawns nearer.Merchant bank the Raine Group are advising the Premier League club over the sale.
    The bidding window to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich closes at 9pmCredit: Rex
    And they will end the bidding period at 5pm US time and start whittling down the shortlist of offers – which is believed to have a maximum of four – by next week.
    Chelsea are desperate for a quick sale after owner Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning by the UK government last week left them in crisis.
    Abramovich has had his assets frozen due to his long-standing relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin – who launched an illegal invasion of Ukraine several weeks ago.
    That left the Blues currently unable to buy or sell players, negotiate new contracts for their stars, pocket matchday revenue and also only having a £20,000 budget to travel to away games.
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    But that has not deterred billionaire tycoons from declaring their interest in the West London outfit.
    And with Abramovich pricing the club at £3billion, it is set to be the most expensive football club takeover in history.
    Boyhood Chelsea fan and business tycoon Nick Candy has declared his interest and will bid £2.5billion for his boyhood club, which would include a £1.5billion redevelopment of the ageing Stamford Bridge.
    The 49-year-old Londoner amassed his fortune alongside his older brother Christian as a luxury property developer, and owns several high-profile buildings around the world.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    He is putting together a consortium to secure the takeover of the club, and is being supported by former Chelsea manager and player Gianluca Vialli.
    London-based equity firm Aethel Partners then yesterday launched an 11th hour bid to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
    The firm – led by Portuguese entrepreneur Ricardo Silva and fellow Harvard alum Aba Schubert – are prepared to pay £2billion for the club and also have plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge on its current site.
    Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss
    American billionaire Todd Boehly and his Swiss business partner Hansjorg Wyss reportedly made an offer to buy Chelsea last week.
    Boehly is a part-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, while Wyss is a billionaire businessman and donor to politically liberal and environmental causes in the United States.
    They plan to have Chelsea supporters Danny Finkelstein and Barbara Charone join as non-executive directors if their offer is successful.
    Todd Boehly is part owner of the DodgersCredit: AFP
    Woody Johnson
    Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets NFL team and Donald Trump pal, has been tipped as another would-be buyer.
    He will be looking to bring his knowledge of American sports into the Premier League and Stamford Bridge.
    As owner of the New York Jets for 22 years, he believes he can raise Chelsea’s profile in the American market.
    Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Seb Coe
    Sir Martin Broughton is compiling his own bid to buy Chelsea, and has teamed up with former Olympics hero Sebastian Coe.
    Former Liverpoool chairman and lifelong Chelsea fan Broughton, 74, now chairs Sports Investment Partners, having formerly headed up British American Tobacco in a heavyweight business career.
    Lord Coe has thrown his weight behind Sir Martin’s consortium – and would take a seat on the board should they be successful.
    Lord Coe has backed ex-Liverpool chief Martin Broughton and the US consortium’s bid to buy ChelseaCredit: Reuters

    It has also been alleged that Saudi Media Group have made an offer to buy Chelsea.
    Headed by Blues fan Mohamed Alkhereiji, the private consortium have tabled a £2.7bn bid for the West London club.
    The Saudi Media Group have no direct ties to the country’s government – unlike the Public Investment Fund that purchased Newcastle earlier this season.
    Oaktree Capital
    US asset manager Oaktree Capital, run by Howard Marks in Los Angeles, is another billionaire preparing an offer for Chelsea.
    Oaktree manages assets worth £125billion and was involved in the deal that saw Chinese retailer Suning buy a stake in Italian football club Inter Milan.
    Oaktree is planning to bid alone, although it could still become part of a larger consortium.
    Billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin is keen along with Thomas RickettsCredit: Reuters
    Thomas Ricketts and Ken Griffin
    Chicago Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts is part of a consortium that has thrown its hat into the ring to buy Chelsea.
    The Ricketts family, who own the Illinois-based baseball team, have linked up with billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin to put together an investment group which will aim to takeover.
    However, Chelsea fans have reacted with fury after leaked emails from prospective buyer Ricketts show the Chicago Cubs owner to have said “Muslims are my enemy” – which he apologised for.
    And the rest…
    Bernard Antwi Boasiako launched arguably the most ambitious of the bids to buy Chelsea – but is hoping he can somehow strike gold.
    The gold mine owner, radio station boss and politician is a big deal in Ghana.
    But with a reported wealth of a mere £100m, that is unlikely to be enough to purchase the European champions.
    Turkish billionaire Mussin Bayrak, who made his money as Chairman of own company AB Group Holding, is another name linked.
    Reports have stated that Abramovich flew to Turkey earlier this month to meet Bayrak.
    And he has said that he is in talks to buy the Blues, with negotiations well underway.
    A number of other names have also been reportedly plotting a Chelsea takeover. More

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    Sebastian Coe was the Olympics hero, who became a Tory Lord and London 2012 chief, and is now trying to buy Chelsea

    TRACK and field legend and lifelong Chelsea fan Sebastian Coe is rivalling the Americans once again.The four-time Olympic medallist, 65, has joined forces with Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium to buy the Blues.
    Sebastian Coe is part of Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium to buy ChelseaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Lord Coe looks to the heavens after pipping East Germany’s Jurgen Straub to gold at the 1980 GamesCredit: PA
    Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter.
    “He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.
    “But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder.
    “This bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”
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    Coe’s move comes amid an American power struggle, with baseball baron Tom Ricketts launching the latest bid just 24 hours after former US diplomat Woody Johnson tabled a £2billion offer.
    Should the bid be successful, it would begin another chapter in Coe’s extraordinary life.
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    Coe won 1500m gold at the 1980 and 1984 Games,  became a Tory Lord, then spearheaded the 2012 London Olympics bid, where he was instrumental in getting the Queen to star opposite Daniel Craig as James Bond in a video for the Opening Ceremony.
    His personal life has been just as eventful, married twice with four children, Lord Coe has found love again with Los Angeles publicist Sarah Robarts 13 years his junior.
    Long-distance legend
    Coe was destined to become an athletics star – with his dad Peter taking over coaching duties when he became dissatisfied with his son’s training at Sheffield’s Hallamshire Harriers.
    His career took off in 1977, when the then 21-year-old competed in the 800m at the European Indoor Championships in San Sebastián, front-running the entire race and winning in 1:46.54, just short of the world indoor record.
    On a world scale though, he truly announced himself at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.
    And a battle with fellow Brit Steve Ovett – reignited from their cross country days when they were rivals as teenagers – was centre stage.
    Coe snatched gold at the Games in Russia in the 1500m, Ovett’s speciality, but he had to settle for silver in his favourite event – the 800m – which Ovett won instead.
    A year later, Coe would shatter the 800m world record in Florence with a remarkable time of 1:41.73.
    It took sixteen years for it to be broken, but still remains the UK record and makes Coe joint-third with Nigel Amos as third-fastest man ever at the distance.
    Lord Coe in action in the 800m heat at Los Angeles 1984Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Victorious Sebastian Coe celebrates winning gold in the 1500m in Los AngelesCredit: Allsport – Getty
    The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was the last Games he appeared in, having not been selected for Seoul 1988.
    Like four years prior, he scooped gold in the 1500m – running the last 400m in 52.2 and the last 100m in 12.1 seconds, the fastest-ever finish in a championship final.
    Retirement and politics
    Coe hung up his spikes in early 1990 with an eye on a different pathway.
    He made the surprise move into politics in 1992, when he was elected as Conservative MP for Falmouth and Camborne.
    It was a seat he would hold for five years, until he lost out in the 1997 general election.
    Lord Coe would return to politics for a short period as Leader of the Opposition William Hague’s chief of staff, having accepted the offer of a Life Peerage in 2000.
    However, last month he quit the House of Lords permanently to take up a job working for Czech company Sazka Entertainment AG who will take over running the National Lottery.
    In the 1990s, Lord Coe moved into politics and represented the Conservatives as an MPCredit: Reuters
    Later, Lord Coe would work as William Hague’s chief of staffCredit: PA:Press Association
    2012 Olympics
    With a level of understanding of what it takes to stage an Olympics, Coe became an ambassador for London’s 2012, as well as a member of the board of the bid company.
    Upon Barbara Cassani’s resignation in 2004, he soon became chairman for the later stages of the bid.
    A year later, Coe was stood in front of the International Olympic Committee giving a presentation on why the Games should come to London.
    Facing stiff competition from Paris and Madrid, he managed to convince the IOC that his bid was the strongest and London was chosen.
    Then, he began planning – visiting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver to see how the city coped with hosting the event.
    While the Olympics in London was recognised as a success, what kicked it off perfectly was film director Danny Boyle’s epic opening ceremony.
    A short film called Happy and Glorious was featured, starring the Queen, her corgis, and Daniel Craig as James Bond.
    Originally Boyle’s idea, when the Oscar-winning moviemaker proposed the storyline to Coe he immediately took it to his political contact Edward Young, the Queen’s Deputy Private Secretary.
    She fell in love with the idea and was seen jumping out of a helicopter in the hilarious clip.
    David Beckham and Lord Coe celebrate their winning 2012 Olympic bidCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Lord Coe carries the Olympic torch ahead of the Games in 2012Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Personal life
    A success in his professional life, Coe’s personal life has had its ups and down.
    With two failed marriages, he certainly hasn’t had a smooth run when it’s come to romance.
    Coe first married Nicky McIrvine in 1990 – just a year after meeting a dinner party.
    She supported his move from athletics to politics, until they separated in 2002.
    In 2004 it was alleged Coe had an affair with fashion designer Vanessa Lander during their marriage.
    The revelation emerged as he was leading London’s 2012 Olympic bid, when she claimed he paid her to have an abortion.
    Coe then found love with Carole Annett, who was retail editor at House & Garden for five years and daughter of ex-England cricketer Mike Smith.
    But their relationship was marred in scandal when her first husband Andy Annett labelled Coe a “marriage wrecker” and alleged that Coe had an affair with his wife for a year before their split, claims that Coe denied.
    Eventually, Coe and Annett would walk down the aisle in 2011. But nine years later they would separate.
    “It is with regret that we announce today our separation to separate,” they revealed in a joint statement in 2020.
    Lord Coe married Nicky McIrvine in 1990Credit: Rex Features
    Carole Annett and Seb Coe’s romance was clouded in controversy with allegations they had an affairCredit: Alamy
    Los Angeles-based PR Sarah Robarts is Coe’s new girlfriendCredit: Getty
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    Coe has since found love with Los Angeles-based PR Sarah Robarts, a British-born mother of two who is 13 years younger than him.
    Should she share his love for Chelsea, we could well see the pair of them at Stamford Bridge in the director’s seats. More