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    Chelsea slapped with transfer BAN and can’t give stars new deals as Roman Abramovich is sanctioned

    CHELSEA have been slapped with a transfer ban and are unable to give out any new contracts after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.The billionaire Russian oligarch will have all his assets frozen, be banned from coming to Britain and from doing any business here as Vladimir Putin wages war in Ukraine.
    Chelsea have a transfer ban and can’t hand out new deals following sanctions on Roman AbramovichCredit: Getty
    And the sanctions effectively block his sale of Chelsea – which has repercussions in the transfer market.
    The Blues will be unable to shop for reinforcements in the summer.
    Chelsea have been linked with several high-profile signings including Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Borussia Dortmund star striker Erling Haaland and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
    That is made even worse by the fact they are also set to lose defenders Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta on free transfers, with the Blues unable to hand out contracts to current stars either.

    The trio can strike pre-contract agreements at foreign sides, with Christensen and Azpilicueta already thought to be on the verge of joining Barcelona.
    But Rudiger has interest closer to home, with Manchester United and Newcastle both eager to snap him up
    Merchandise sales have been banned, too.
    The club is not allowed to sell any more match tickets, with only season ticket holders able to attend games where they will be able to buy food and drink.

    It comes as:

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    Chelsea will be granted a special licence to continue playing but Abramovich will be deprived of any profits.
    Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said about the sanctions: “Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We’re committed to protecting them.”
    Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine.
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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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    “Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
    “We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign allies.” More

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    Meet Chelsea bidder Nick Candy, who owns mega expensive London building and married ex-Neighbours star Holly Valance

    NICK CANDY is the latest billionaire reportedly eyeing up a takeover at Chelsea.The British tycoon is said to be ready to test Roman Abrambovich’s resolve by bidding £2.5billion for his boyhood club, which would include a £1.5billion redevelopment of the ageing Stamford Bridge.
    Billionaire Nick Candy, a lifelong Chelsea fan, is reportedly entering the race to buy the BluesCredit: Rex Features
    The luxury property tycoon is married to Aussie beauty Holly ValanceCredit: Rex
    The 47-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.
    He owns a mansion in West London worth over £75million, and added a Cotswold country home to his portfolio last year.
    Used to the high-life, he had a £60million super yacht but sold it to make room for a much bigger boat.
    Famously, he has been married to ex-Neighbours beauty Holly Valance since 2012, and they have two children together.
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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);}Chelsea takeover news.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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    Money bags
    The Candy brothers were both spurred on to follow a career in property development, when they bought their first home in Earl’s Court, London, following a £6,000 loan from their grandmother.
    They paid £122,000 for the flat, renovated it, and 18 months later sold it for £172,000 – making a tidy £50,000 profit.
    At the same time, they were working day jobs too – Nick worked in advertising, while Christian held a job at investment bank Merrill Lynch.
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    Eventually, they were able to give those jobs up to move into property development full-time.
    In 2004, they joined forces with a private company owned by the Prime Minister of Qatar to buy Bowater House in Knightsbridge, turning it into One Hyde Park, which now houses Rolex, McLaren Automotive and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank businesses.
    A tower of 86 luxury apartments were also built, with some penthouses sold fetching the highest prices on record.
    Nick had his own five-bedroom penthouse in One Hyde Park, which was placed on the market last year for a mega £175million.
    Measuring in at 18,000 square feet, it boasts its own spa, gym, cocktail bar, ‘champagne room’, wine cellar for 750 bottles, media room, two ‘wrap-around’ outdoor terraces, and heated underground parking spaces for four cars.
    It’s not known if it was sold, but Nick didn’t waste any time in nabbing another property.
    Last year, he splashed over £10million on a stunning Grade II‑listed mansion in Oxfordshire.
    The country pad has seven bedrooms, a pool, stables, tennis and squash courts and its own chapel.
    One Hyde Park is one of many buildings the Candys ownCredit: Rex Features
    Luxury penthouses at One Hyde Park can cost over £100mCredit: Rex Features
    Last year, Candy splashed over £10m on a Cotswolds mansion
    Nick Candy, left, amassed a huge fortune as a luxury property developer alongside his brother ChristianCredit: Rex Features
    Neighbours include Kate Moss, JCB tycoon Lord Bamford, Hugh Grant and the Beckhams.
    “We’re very immersed in our quiet country life at weekends and adore the friendly and welcoming village,” he told Daily Mail.
    Amazing yacht
    Back in 2020, Nick also reportedly listed his fancy super yacht ‘11.11’, the birth date of his daughter, for £53.5million.
    However, it appears there have been no takers so far – with the vessel still appearing for sale online.
    Built in 2015 by Benetti, it boasts six cabins for 12 guests with a crew of 16 people.
    If it hasn’t sold, you can bet it may have been chartered.
    But for the privilege, it would cost nearly £600,000 for a week.
    The incredible yacht also features a helipad, limo tender, fours bars and two main bedroom suites.
    Candy listed his super yacht for £53.5mCredit: Rapphael Belly
    Candy lives a glam life with wife Holly ValanceCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Stunning missus
    Candy’s companion to share his riches with is ex-Aussie soap star Holly Valance.
    The former FHM pin-up, now 38, and Nick met in 2009 at a mutual friend’s dinner party in Los Angeles.
    “I didn’t know anything about him. I just thought ‘Cor, if I didn’t fancy you so much, we’d be the best of friends. Instead, I want to make out with you all the time,'” she said.
    Then she saw his super yacht. She revealed: “When I saw the boat for the first time, I was stunned and said: ‘Oh dear God! It’s a mansion on the water. It’s incredible’.”
    Valance moved to London shortly after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
    Nick soon proposed on a romantic getaway in the Maldives in a five-star luxury resort.
    The pair said their ‘I do’s’ in 2012 in a £3million ceremony in Beverly Hills.
    Katy Perry was their wedding singer, reportedly paid around £1.2million to perform at the nuptials, while Simon Cowell was also a guest.
    Although she flirted with a pop career and has continued acting, Holly now appears focused on motherhood.
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    They have two daughters together, Luka, 8, and Nova, 4, and divide their time between the countryside and London.
    Perhaps Nick’s next baby might come in the shape of a football club.
    Former Neighbours star Valance was a lads’ mag pin-upCredit: Handout
    Valance has since put her acting and pop career on the back-burner to raise their childrenCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Meet potential new Chelsea owner Woody Johnson who’s close to Donald Trump, worth £3bn and owns the New York Jets

    US businessman Woody Johnson is the latest billionaire to express an interest in buying Chelsea, according to reports.The New York Jets owner, 74, is said to be “readying a bid” after making contact with The Raine Group who have the task of finding a buyer, claim ESPN.
    NY Jet’s maligned owner Woody Johnson is reportedly interested in buying ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Johnson is a long time ally of ex-US President Donald TrumpCredit: Getty
    The heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, worth £3billion, is said to have become a fan of the Blues while living in London and serving as US ambassador to the UK.
    Johnson is a long time supporter of ex-US President Donald Trump, as well as a Republican Party donor.
    Sports-mad, he also has courtside seats at the NY Knicks.
    Ally to Trump
    Over the years, Johnson was a major Republican Party fundraiser.
    Although he initially backed Donald Trump’s nominee rival Jeb Bush in the race for the Republican hot-seat, he soon started supporting Trump when it became clear he was going to be the election candidate.
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    Then, he poured money into both of Trump’s campaigns.
    According to Federal Election Commission records, he gave around £440,000 to Trump Victory – a fundraising committee for the President’s re-election.
    On top of that, he donated around £270,000 to the Republican National Committee, and another £800,000 to America First Action – which promoted Trump’s policies.
    In 2017, Trump chose Johnson to be his ambassador in the UK.
    Stationed in wealthy West London, he became entranced by London life.
    In particular, he fell in love with Chelsea although it’s not clear if he made the pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge.
    He held the position until 2021, but has since returned to the US.
    A Republican Party donor, Johnson got involved in politics in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Trump chose Johnson to be the US ambassador in the UKCredit: AFP
    Money talks
    The great grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, Woody inherited the Johnson & Johnson corporation.
    He began working for the company after graduating from University of Arizona.
    Today, Johnson & Johnson is said to be worth around £330billion.
    Privately, though, he is much more guarded.
    He has been married twice – first to former model Sale Johnson, who had three of his children, Casey, Daisy, and Jamie.
    Wood remarried actress Suzanne Ircha, who is 20-years his junior, in 2009. She is best pals with former First Lady Melania Trump, having mixed in the same socialite circles before she met Donald.
    They have two boys, Robert and Jack.
    In the past, his wife has called her husband “Prince Charming”. While her and Melania, who have been joint at the hip, share a love for fashion brand Louboutins.
    Suzanne Ircha is Johnson’s second wife and they have two sonsCredit: Getty
    Ircha (right) and Melania Trump (left) are close pals having met on the NY social sceneCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Careful what you wish for
    In 2000, Woody bought the NY Jets for a bargain £500million.
    However, his reign as owner has been much maligned due to poor performances on the field.
    Two years prior to his investment, the Jets had won the AFC divisional play-offs.
    But, they would struggle in the following years until 2009 when they reached the same stage again.
    For the past six seasons, they have lost more than they have won.
    The worst years came between 2017-2021, when Woody’s brother Christopher was CEO and chairman.
    During that time, fans have turned on Woody – demanding he give up the team.
    Johnson, worth around £3bn, has owned the NY Jets since 2000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Johnson’s reign has been subject of abuse from fans who have wanted him to sell upCredit: Alamy
    Banners reading, “Dear Woody, Sell the team” regularly appear at the MetLife Stadium.
    Chelsea fans might be wary of what Woody would have in store for the Blues.
    He’s generous
    If his political donations and philanthropy are good indicators, then supporters needn’t worry.
    Woody has put his money to good use as a philanthropist for various charities.
    His biggest contributions hit closer to home – with support for medical research for diabetes and lupus top of his agenda, which he has lobbied for more federal funding for.
    He started the foundation, the Alliance for Lupus Research, when he discovered daughter Jaime was diagnosed with lupus in 1999.
    Generous Johnson has given plenty of funding to diabetes and lupus charitiesCredit: Getty
    As a Chelsea fan, Johnson could have the Blues best interests at heartCredit: Getty
    However, in 2010 his life was shattered when his eldest daughter Casey died of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
    In her honour, he has given over £10million to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
    Chelsea fans will hope he’s equally as generous with the Blues. More

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    Meet Chelsea kid Tudor Mendel-Idowu, 17, who attends Eton College, was on Child Genius TV show and is studying Latin

    MEET Tudor Mendel-Idowu, who surely must be the UK’s brightest footballer.The Chelsea academy prospect, 17, is blossoming in the U18s this season – with five goals and three assists in nine games.
    Tudor Mendel-Idowu is a rising star with Chelsea’s U18 sideCredit: Getty
    Mendel-Idowu is also a student at prestigious Eton CollegeCredit: Linkedin
    However, if he doesn’t make the grade as a player – he can count on his education.
    Mendel-Idowu is a star pupil at the prestigious Eton College, where Prince William and Harry attended.
    Better still, he’s a King’s Scholar – meaning he’s one of the most academically gifted boys in the country.
    Early bloomer
    As early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.
    He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.
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    The competition was overseen by Mensa, and featured 20 highly-gifted youngsters between the ages of seven to 12, who face two gruelling rounds: Logic and Reasoning and Memory Recall – where they have just one hour to commit 104 randomly shuffled playing cards to memory.
    While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.
    At the same time, he discovered a flair for the beautiful game as various clubs declared their interest.
    “Like every kid, I played football from a very young age,” he told Chelsea’s website.
    “It would have been around the age of seven or eight that I realised I had a special talent. About the same time, I saw my academic gift coming to fruition as well.
    “There were different top academies across the UK that approached me. Chelsea were the ones who showed the most interest and essentially being the top academy, they really wanted to get me, and did in the end.”
    At age eight Mendel-Idowu appear on Channel 4’s Child Genius of the YearCredit: Channel 4
    Mendel-Idowu finished runner-up in the competition overseen by MensaCredit: Channel 4
    Runs in the family
    Intelligence and being a brilliant footballer (he’s been capped by England at U15 and U17 level) is in Mendel-Idowu’s blood.
    His grandfather on his mother’s side played internationally for his country, Nigeria.
    While on his father’s side, his other grandad Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu was a gifted academic who specialised in bio-aeronautics.
    He would make history as Africa’s first flying doctor.
    “My parents have always said I am a sort of fusion of these two extraordinary individuals,” he recently told FIFA.com.
    This campaign Mendel-Idowu has scored five times for Chelsea’s U18s in nine gamesCredit: Getty
    Talented midfielder Mendel-Idowu has been capped by England U17sCredit: Instagram
    Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.
    “King’s Scholars are the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13,” he explained.
    “It’s decided after a rigorous examination process over two weeks, covering papers in a variety of subjects: Maths, Latin and Divinity to name a few.”
    Currently, he’s studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.
    He said: “Students who study these subjects have a wide range of options. I’m looking at Classics courses which opens other pathways like Philosophy, Law, Literature and Archaeology.
    “Foreign policy and international relations have always interested me too. I can really go in any of these directions.”
    Mendel-Idowu is juggling a football career with academiaCredit: Instagram
    Bright Mendel-Idowu has big ambitions to be a first class playerCredit: Getty
    But he won’t neglect his football, which he still holds a massive ambition in.
    “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic,” Tudor revealed.
    “I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!” More

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    Chelsea ‘seriously tried to complete Messi transfer in 2014 but he refused’ and they bought Barcelona team-mate instead

    CHELSEA ‘seriously tried to complete Messi transfer in 2014 but he refused’, according to Fabrizio Romano.The Blues, instead, had to settle for ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, the Italian football journalist revealed on his YouTube channel.
    Chelsea tried to sign Lionel Messi in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Romano made the incredible revelation as he discussed a change of ownership at Stamford Bride, with Roman Abramovich putting the club up for sale.
    In a segment he discussed the top five transfer deals that collapsed during the Russian oligarch’s reign.
    And Romano let the cat out of the bag that Messi was almost one, with Jose Mourinho making him their top target.
    “It was not that close but Chelsea were really trying to sign Lionel Messi in 2014, with Jose Mourinho as the manager. They were really pushing to try and persuade Messi to join them,” Romano said.
    “They [Chelsea] were contacting people close to Leo Messi, discussing with lawyers close to Messi to try to convince him for a new opportunity in the Premier League.”
    However, Messi was adamant he wanted to stay put in Catalonia.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET CITY AT 25/1 OR UNITED AT 100/1
    “But then everything collapsed because Barcelona was something special for Lionel Messi,” Romano continued.
    “He decided together with his family to stay in Catalonia and continue his experience with Barca.
    “Roman Abramovich wanted Leo Messi. He was seriously trying to sign Messi as the new star for Chelsea but the deal collapsed.”
    The same summer the Premier League side DID manage to convince Fabregas to make the switch to North London.
    The Spanish playmaker would go on to win the Premier League twice with the West Londoners and enjoy a successful stint at Stamford Bridge. More

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    Chelsea bidder Todd Boehly is US billionaire who owns baseball team LA Dodgers and is behind Netflix hit Ozark

    BILLIONAIRE tycoon Todd Boehly is one half of a consortium with Hansjorg Wyss trying to buy Chelsea football club.The American, 46, who owns a stake in the LA Dodgers, is said to be readying a bid with the Swiss businessman this week.
    Billionaire tycoon Todd Boehly is part of the consortium interested in buying ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But Boehly already has his hands full as the interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
    The investor, said to be worth around £5billion, was hired last October to clean up the organisation that produces the cancelled Golden Globe Awards in the wake of racial discrimination.

    Although he’s heavily involved with sport, as an owner of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks, Boehly has enriched his business portfolio in entertainment.
    Through his holding company Eldridge, he owns MRC entertainment company, which produces Netflix hit Ozark, and Dick Clark Productions.
    While MRC also invests in independent film and TV companies A24, who have received 25 Oscar nominations and Fulwell73, which James Corden is a partner of.
    Well-connected in Hollywood, it is not inconceivable that Boehly could pursue turning Chelsea’s fortunes into a TV series.
    With a route already into Netflix, as well as a share of Fulwell73 who created Sunderland ‘Til I Die, it almost seems inevitable.
    In Los Angeles Boehly, far right, is part owner of the DodgersCredit: Corbis
    In Hollywood Boehly is a big playerCredit: Getty
    Boehly’s MRC company produces Netflix hit OzarkCredit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX
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    His own sporting pedigree
    Boehly is of German heritage, after his grandparents emigrated to the US.
    At school he was on the wrestling team which won state tournament titles in 1990 and 1991.
    So key was Boehly’s role on the team, the school named their facilities after him – calling it the Boehly Family Wrestling Room.
    In terms of further education, Boehly graduated from both the College of William and Mary, as well as the London School of Economics – where he would have first got a taste for life in the English capital.
    Back in 2019, he was linked with a move for the Blues as well as London rivals Tottenham.
    However, he deemed Spurs as too expensive an option with a proposed new stadium on the horizon and an upgrade in facilities.
    Boehly is married to Katie and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and ClayCredit: Getty
    Family life
    Away from business, Boehly is a dedicated family man.
    He is married to wife Katie – and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and Clay.
    One of Boehly’s credit funds is called NZC Guggenheim – with the NZC coming from his sons’ initials.
    The reason for that is an investor wanted assurances from Boehly he would take it seriously, so he named it after his loved ones.
    Does his bit for charity
    Boehly, left, cheers on the LA DodgersCredit: AP
    Alongside wife Katie, Boehly founded the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance in 2014 at his old university.
    The billionaire is on the board of Faces – Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures – and the Brunswick School, a private school in Connecticut.
    Elsewhere, Boehly is involved with helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – the only non-profit charity in North America dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
    Heads investigation
    In 2021, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was exposed by the Los Angeles Times for its lack of diversity.
    At the time, the HFPA, an organisation of journalists and photographers who report on the entertainment industry and cast nominations for the Golden Glove Awards, didn’t have a black member within its then 87-person strong group.
    That was reflected who was receiving awards, as notable shows including British TV hit I May Destroy You were disappointingly snubbed.
    The LA Time report dropped one week before the ceremony, and caused a massive stir in Hollywood with viewing figures dipping to an all-time low.
    Wholesale changes were made as the organisation was forced to change its practices.
    Boehly was named interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationCredit: Reuters
    21 new members were added, with 29 per cent being Black, 24 per cent Asian, 29 per cent are Latino and 19 per cent Middle Eastern or North African.
    As an interim chief executive officer, Boehly was brought in to lead the HFPA in continuing to increase the diversity of its membership, as well as form measures that will change its practices moving forward. More

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    Conor McGregor shares brilliant animation of him as Chelsea manager after announcing interest in buying the club

    CONOR McGREGOR shared a brilliant animation of him as Chelsea manager after announcing his interest in buying the club. The UFC superstar reacted to the news that Roman Abramovich has put the Blues up for sale at £3billion.
    Conor McGregor shared a brilliant animation of him as Chelsea managerCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The UFC star announced his interest in buying the clubCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Conor McGregor next to what appears to be a cartoon Roman Abramovich
    He tweeted: “I wish to explore this. @ChelseaFC.”
    McGregor, who also wanted to ambitiously takeover Manchester United, added fuel to the fire with a hilarious cartoon video.
    It the clip, it shows the Irishman holding a Chelsea press conference and then having a chat in a Blues tracksuit with what appears to be Abramovich.
    McGregor, 33, in 2021 ranked as the highest-paid athlete in the world earning £128million, with £113m earned away from the UFC.
    The famed fighter has previously spoken with Celtic’s largest individual shareholder Dermot Desmond about acquiring shares.
    But when it comes to Chelsea, McGregor is left with fierce competition, including Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Wyss, 86, told Blick newspaper: “Abramovich is one of Vladimir Putin’s closest advisers and friends. Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic.
    “Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly.
    “I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.”
    Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale as Government sanctions threatened his fortune amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    He vowed to give any profits from an expected £3billion deal to the victims of the Ukraine war — but he refused to condemn the actions of tyrant crony Vladimir Putin.
    The billionaire also revealed he would be writing off the £1.5billion debt Chelsea owed him.
    Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea up for saleCredit: AFP
    Conor McGregor has spoken about owning a football club before More

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    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich CONFIRMS he is selling club – with Russian to give net proceeds to Ukraine war victims

    BILLONAIRE Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has revealed he is selling the club.The Russian oligarch says he will donate the net proceeds to “all victims of the war in Ukraine” – but failed to condemn Putin’s brutal invasion.
    Roman Abramovich has confirmed he is selling ChelseaCredit: Alamy
    It comes as European Parliament president Roberta Metsola insisted anyone with ties to Putin should not be in control of sports clubs.
    The government have yet to order sanctions against Abramovich, who is said to be close to Vladimir Putin.
    In the wake of Russia’s invasion, he initially handed over control of Chelsea to the club’s charitable foundation.
    But the 55-year-old’s concern about potential seizing of assets is said to have sparked his move to off-load the Blues.
    Abramovich himself has denied he has close links to the Russian despot.
    Earlier this week the Russian-Israeli was reportedly assisting peace talks in Belarus assisting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
    He said in a statement: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.
    “As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
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    “In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
    “The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
    The Russian says his team will set up a charitable foundation, with all proceeds of the sale will be donated.
    He said: “All money raised will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine.
    “This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.”I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person.
    “It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements.
    “Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.Thank you, Roman.”

    It comes after Abramovich handed over stewardship of Chelsea to its charitable foundation at the weekend.
    MP Chris Bryant claims Abramovich is desperately trying to sell his London mansion amid fears Putin’s cronies will be hit by tough sanctions.
    He said: “I think is terrified of being sanctioned, which is why he’s already going to sell his home tomorrow, and sell another flat as well.” More