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      Under pressure Todd Boehly could be REPLACED as Chelsea chairman as incredible deal agreed by billionaire owners leaked

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      TODD BOEHLY could be REPLACED as Chelsea chairman as part of an incredible deal, according to a new report.The American has held that position since he and Clearlake Capital bought the Stamford Bridge club in 2022.Todd Boehly could be replaced as Chelsea chairman after five yearsCredit: APThe American was pictured with co-owner Behdad Eghbali at the Carabao Cup FinalCredit: GettyHe has authorised a whopping transfer spend of over £1billion with only a Carabao Cup final loss to show for his huge outlay.Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have both been sacked as manager during that period while last summer’s appointment of Mauricio Pochettino has failed to bring about a transformation on the pitch.However, Boehly may not hold his role as chairman for the long-term after explosive details of an extraordinary written agreement were revealed.The Telegraph states that Chelsea’s owners can pass the chairmanship between them every five years due to the deal including an option for them to share it.READ MORE ON CHELSEAClearlake Capital is owned by Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, and they “will have the opportunity to nominate their own representative in 2027”.The publication stresses that the agreement is an option and not an obligation and that Boehly, who part owns the LA Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks, could stay as chairman for another five years from 2027.That would be if Clearlake opted against taking over – but if they did then Boehly would need to wait until 2032 to reclaim the role.The news comes amid growing criticism of Boehly’s running of Chelsea while other reports have claimed that Eghbali’s influence at Stamford Bridge has “increased dramatically” over the past year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, the 50-year-old “has no plans to pass up the chairmanship early” amid the backlash from pundits and supporters.Both Eghbali and Feliciano have opted to work away from the spotlight so far with the Premier League giants.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?Eghbali is believed to be more hands-on in the day-to-day running of the Blues but any big decisions still need each man to sign off on it.The Telegraph also say that they have the “details of how the money and power is split” at Chelsea, who have never officially revealed the full breakdown of shares following the takeover.They claim that private equity fund Clearlake Capital owns 60 per cent of the shares and voting rights in 22 Holdco, the UK-based company behind ChelseaBoehly, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter have an equal split of the remaining 40 per cent.And Boehly, Eghbali and Feliciano are also all allegedly listed “as a person of significant control”.The 13 per cent stake of Boehly’s is entirely privately funded by his own cash.The pair of Eghbali and Feliciano are reported to have smaller personal stakes within Clearlake’s 60 per cent fund.It does seem, however, that Boehly has no plans of going anywhere soon.This fresh update states that he often speaks to business associates “about the next 20-plus years at Chelsea”.While it adds that “external experts feel that Eghbali and Feliciano have more pressure on them to achieve quick results” from investors.Who owns Chelsea and how much?Here’s how the Telegraph claims that the ownership of Chelsea is split:
      Clearlake Capital (funded by Behdad Eghbali Jose Feliciano) – 60 per cent
      Todd Boehly (Chairman) – 13 per cent
      Hansjorg Wyss – 13 per cent
      Mark Walter – 13 per cent

      The news of Boehly’s potential loss of the chairmanship comes after SunSport revealed the American businessman was facing nightmare choices over Stamford Bridge.We reported how bosses believe they have only two options — spend SIX YEARS away from Stamford Bridge while it is redeveloped, or pay over the odds to buy land and build elsewhere.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is growing frustration inside the club that little progress has been made since they arrived nearly two years ago. More

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      Roma 4 Brighton 0: Wasteful Seagulls’ Europa League hopes all but over as Italian heavyweights teach them harsh lesson

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      ROMELU LUKAKU helped Roma’s demolition of Brighton as he continues to taunt Chelsea.The on-loan Blues striker hit his seventh in eight Europa League games while Mauricio Pochettino’s men remain in dire need of goals.Brighton were thrashed by Roma in the Last 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyPaulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante were also on target, leaving Roberto De Zerbi’s men with a mountain to climb at the Amex next week.The Seagulls, who have been decimated by injuries, have had their season implode in the space of ten days as they crashed out to Wolves in the FA Cup before losing 3-0 to Fulham in the Prem.The club’s biggest night in their history was also marred by the stabbings of two of their fans on Wednesday night by a masked gang of thugs.One of the victims, Jack, heroically made it into the stands despite having ten stitches and walking on crutches.Read More on FootballRoma started brightly with Leonardo Spinazzola fizzing a menacing cross at Chelsea loanee Lukaku who stung the hands of Jason Steele with a header.Brighton hit back with Simon Adingra twisting and turning into the net before firing a shot, which bobbled off Evan N’Dicka and onto the post.Both sides favour fluid movement, tactical flexibility and high energy with a fire in their bellies to fight for something bigger than themselves.But Brighton looked a nervous wreck and Roma made them pay.Most read in FootballDybala ripped through Brighton’s defence, while Lewis Dunk was caught napping, rounded Steele and slotted into an empty net on 12 minutes. The flag went up but after a short VAR check and the Olimpico went berserk as the goal was given.EXCL: My uncle played in the World Cup final, now I’m making my own way starring for Premier League clubBrighton had another go, this time with Adringra shimmying up the left flank and teeing up Danny Welbeck whose downward header steered just shy of goal.Tempers flared when Jan Paul van Hecke was booked for lunging in on Lorenzo Pellegrini.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Dunk failed to deal with a long ball, mis-controlling it and gifting Lukaku the chance to pounce.The Chelsea loanee zipped forward, outmuscling Dunk before lashing a fierce, low drive beyond Steele on 43 minutes.Brighton weren’t going into the break with their tail between their legs, and Welbeck steered a bullet header at Mile Svilar who tipped it over.De Zerbi substituted on-loan Barcelona striker Ansu Fati for Julio Enciso at the break but things only got worse.Steele palmed away yet another Lukaku header which so very easily could have made it 3-0.Gianluca Mancini tucked in though with an outstretched leg to poke home a cross on 65 minutes as Brighton started to crumble.Mancini celebrated by charging in front of the boisterous Roma fans and bowing.There was a brief VAR check for offside but the goal was given with Mancini on by a whisker.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe mountain to climb became Everest when Stephan El Shaarawy flicked the ball across to Cristante who was well clear of Igor Julio to nod past Steele on 69 minutes.Dunk nearly redeemed himself by firing a dipping and curling shot over the bar after a desperate scramble in the box but it wasn’t meant to be. More

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      ‘I don’t think he knows the feeling,’ smirks Erling Haaland as he hits back at Trent Alexander-Arnold dig

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      ERLING HAALAND has hit back at Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dig with a cheeky put down about winning the Treble.The pair have had a back-and-forth ahead of Manchester City’s title clash at Liverpool on Sunday.”I’ve been here one year and I won the treble. It was quite a nice feeling and I don’t think he knows exactly this feeling” 😬Erling Haaland responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments saying Liverpool’s trophies ‘mean more’ to them and their fans than Man City’s 🤔 pic.twitter.com/em1jod3TSW— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 7, 2024

      Erling Haaland smirked after hearing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s claimCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueThe Liverpool star suggested their trophy wins mean more than Manchester City’sCredit: GettyThe two clubs have had a friendly rivalry over the last few years but there appears to be a bit of extra spice heading into this Anfield encounter.Alexander-Arnold started the war of words by claiming Liverpool’s trophies mean more to them and their fanbase because of the financial differences between the clubs.Haaland, 23, smirked as the defender’s words were read to him and he responded with a clever take down.The City star told Sky Sports: “If he wants to say that, okay. I’ve been here one year and I’ve won the Treble.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was quite a nice feeling. I don’t think he knows exactly this feeling.”That’s what I felt last season and it was quite nice.”Alexander-Arnold was asked about the Reds’ title chances in a fierce race that has pitted them against City and Arsenal.The England star admitted it would be “tough” to beat Pep Guardiola’s side before describing his opponents as a “machine”.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Alexander-Arnold, 25, said: “We’re up against a machine that’s built to win – that’s the simplest way to describe City and their organisation.”Looking back on this era, although they’ve won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs, financially.”How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we’ve done it, probably means more to our fans.”Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton More

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      Steve Bruce ‘didn’t even want to come to work’, says Amanda Staveley as Newcastle co-owner opens up on ‘dramatic change’

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      NEWCASTLE co-owner Amanda Staveley has claimed Steve Bruce “didn’t even want to come to work” before he left the club.Bruce left St James’ Park shortly after her arrival after two years as manager.Amanda Staveley (left) says Steve Bruce ‘didn’t even want to come to work’Credit: GettyBruce was dismissed by Newcastle in October 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Staveley and the Reuben brothers bought Newcastle from Mike Ashley for £300million in October 2021.PIF owns 80 per cent of the Magpies while Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi hold a six per cent stake.They swiftly replaced Bruce with Eddie Howe, handing the lifelong Magpies fan a mammoth £8million pay-out.Bruce lasted one game in charge under the new owners, a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham. And Staveley appeared to question Bruce’s professionalism, claiming he didn’t want to work before finally being given the chop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe had been speaking at the Bloomberg Power Players’ Summit in Jeddah.On the state of Newcastle when they arrived, she said: “There needed to be dramatic change because the club had been run in a very different format.“We had few commercial revenues, we had a team that was aging, a fan base that was angry, and a coach who basically didn’t even want to come to work. We had to inject it with life.”Staveley also believes there will be a Saudi club in the Champions League “before long”.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The rapid growth of the Saudi Pro League has led to suggestions that their champions could feature in Europe’s leading competition, which will expand to 36 clubs next season.Staveley explained: “I’m quite sure there will be a Saudi club in the Champions League before long. Knowing Saudi, I don’t think it will take too long.”Infectious’ former Newcastle star who ‘lived his dream’ at boyhood club given classy farewell by Eddie HoweAsked if she could buy a stake in a Saudi club, Staveley added: “I think that would be a lovely idea!“It would be a fantastic opportunity. I love the league and I’ve seen it develop. It’s really exciting to see the competition really growing.” More

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      Chelsea hit by injury dilemma as Chilwell and Colwill are both ruled out leaving Pochettino with left-back crisis

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has a left-back dilemma with Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill having both been ruled out by injuries.Chelsea are set to host Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday night.Ben Chilwell has been ruled out through injuryCredit: GettyLevi Colwill will also be unavailableCredit: AlamyChilwell, 27, has been sent to see a specialist after suffering a knee injury.Colwill, meanwhile, has begun rehab for a separate issue.The 21-year-old’s absence, coupled with Chilwell’s, leaves boss Pochettino with a conundrum to solve.Marc Cucurella returned to training last week after recovering from ankle surgery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard was deemed fit enough for the bench last weekend but did not come on in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at Brentford.He has not featured since November.Academy product Alfie Gilchrist is primarily thought of as a centre-half, but has featured at full-back too.He started at left-back as Chelsea beat Leeds 3-2 in the FA Cup last month.Most read in FootballAcross the defence, Wesley Fofana is unlikely to return this season, while Benoit Badiashile has not yet returned to full first team training.Skipper Reece James also remains out with a hamstring injury.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumPochettino, 52, has been handed another fresh blow, with Conor Gallagher missing out due to illness.Romeo Lavia and Lesley Uguchuwku also remain missing, while Christopher Nkunku is undergoing rehab.On Chelsea’s injury woes, Pochettino said: “It’s very frustrating and disappointing, because the situation has never allowed us [to] work with the full squad.”Yes, we are suffering this kind of negativity in terms of injuries, but we cannot stop believing and stop working. We need to give confidence to the players who will play on Monday.”Chelsea go into this weekend’s matches sitting 11th in the Premier League table.A win, however, could see them climb to within one point of eight-placed Newcastle.Mauricio Pochettino has been left frustrated by Chelsea’s injury woesCredit: AlamyMarc Cucurella returned to the matchday squad last weekendCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea owners feared punishment from Abramovich era so much they held back £150m of takeover price to pay off fines

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali held back a staggering £150m of their purchase price for the club to cover potential fines relating to the Roman Abramovich reign.Premier League chiefs are investigating alleged breaches of financial rules committed during the Russian’s 20-year Stamford Bridge era.BlueCo held back £150million to cover potential fines from the Abramovich regimeCredit: PAAnd in the club’s latest financial accounts, which included losses of more than £90m last season, the scale of the potential costs feared by the new American owners was made clear.Chelsea were fined £8.6m by Uefa after admitting to filing incomplete financial information between 2012 and 2019.That included allegations of offshore payments from Abramovich-related parties surrounding the signings of players including Willian, Samuel Eto’o and Eden Hazard.The payments were flagged up by the club’s new owners last year, with Prem bosses launching their own investigation in November.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut with the investigation still continuing – there are expectations of charges being brought before the end of the season – the extent of the feared potential cost has become clear.In a statement accompanying the latest financial figures, Chelsea’s owners, the investment company Blue Co, confirmed the £150m “holdback” sum.Blue Co said: “The holdback reduction amount is defined as an amount of all losses incurred by any member of the Group resulting from any proceeding in relation to events which took place before the acquisition date, up to the value of £150m.“The Group self-reported to relevant football authorities’ certain legal matters concerning historical football transactions.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “The directors acknowledge the ongoing review by the football authorities in relation to these matters. “Depending on the outcome, there could be future liabilities that cannot be quantified as at the date of these financial statements.”Chelsea fans convinced Mauricio Pochettino IGNORED Todd Boehly after Carabao Cup final defeat While the Blue Co group – a consortium of a number of Chelsea-related companies – announced pre-tax losses of £678.1m, the club lost £90.1m – down from £121.4m the previous season.But that was despite including the £60m received from Manchester United for Mason Mount, a sum actually agreed on June 30.The figures also confirm Chelsea – currently 11th in the Prem and branded “billion pounds bottle jobs” by Gary Neville after their Carabao Cup Final defeat by Liverpool – have spent a staggering £1.2bn in transfer fees across just the last three windows.In total, according to the figures, Chelsea – whose income rose from £481.3m to £512.5m – had a wage bill of £441.9m and amortisation and depreciation costs of £567.5m.And this season, Chelsea confirmed the club had spent a further £454.8m on adding to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, while making £48.2m in profit from the sale of 10 players.With no Champions League football this season or next term, that adds up to a minimum £160m black hole in Chelsea’s two year finances.It adds to the need for sales before the May 31 cut-off date for this season in order to try to meet the Profitability and Sustainability Rules limits of £105m in allowable losses over three seasons.Abramovich sold Chelsea after being sanctioned by the British GovernmentCredit: PA More

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      Former Premier League star scores hilarious ‘goal of the season’ as fans admire ‘trip over yourself’ technique

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      A FORMER Premier League star was hailed by fans for his “trip over yourself” technique as he scored a hilarious “goal of the season”.Ashley Barnes, 34, is currently starring in the Championship for Norwich.Ashley Barnes scored a hilarious goal for Norwich against MiddlesbroughCredit: Sky SportsThe striker tripped up before scrambling along the floor to fire homeCredit: Sky SportsGoal of the season for Ashley Barnes? 👀🟢— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024

      He joined the Canaries last summer after 10 seasons with Burnley — seven of which were in England’s top flight.Barnes has since gone on to score five goals in all competitions for his new side.And the striker’s latest came in last night’s 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.Barnes fired the visitors ahead in the 17th minute as he latched onto a pass from deep in the Boro box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving already beaten the defenders, Barnes swung a leg at the ball in the hope of connecting with a volley.But he missed the ball and instead tumbled to the floor in comical style.Barnes showed his doggedness though as he began scrambling along the pitch while the ball rolled towards Middlesbrough’s goalie.And just before the opposition’s defence closed him down, Barnes — still on the floor at this point — swung his leg again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis time, it made contact with the ball, and sent it flying into the Boro net.Fans were certainly loving Barnes’ hearty effort, with many jokingly declaring it the “goal of the season.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBarnes’ goal wasn’t enough as Norwich went on to lose 3-1Credit: PAOne said: “Nice, the trip over yourself technique is up there with the scorpion, scissors, banana and bicycle kick.”Another declared: “Ashley Barnes has just won goal of the season.”One noted: “The most Ashley Barnes goal to ever exist.”Another added: “Seen him score better but they all count!”Unfortunately for Norwich, Barnes’ goal did not seal victory at the Riverside.Teammate Borja Sainz was sent off for the Canaries in the 30th minute.And Boro stormed back moments later through Marcus Forss before Emmanuel Latte Lath made it 2-1 before the break.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game was then put to bed in the 62nd minute by Lukas Engel.The result leaves Norwich seventh in the Championship table, while Boro are up to 12th. More

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      Thomas Tuchel ‘would consider shock Chelsea return’ after Bayern Munich sacking as fans say ‘bring him back home’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is ready to consider a return to Chelsea this summer, according to reports.The German, 50, was sacked by Todd Boehly in September 2022 just a few months after the American’s takeover.Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTodd Boehly concedes that he may have made a ‘mistake’ sacking TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel subsequently took over at Bayern Munich last March, but it has already been confirmed that he will be leaving at the end of this season.With the former Blues boss set to be out of work, he is said to be targeting a return to the Premier League.According to German outlet Bild, Tuchel would be open to returning to Stamford Bridge, should he and Boehly be able to settle their previous differences.Prior to Tuchel’s departure, he and his boss endured a strained relationship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoehly, 50, even frustrated the former Chelsea manager by trying to show a group of guests the home dressing room… while Tuchel was attempting to deliver a half-time team talk.At the end of last season, reports claimed that Blues chiefs privately acknowledged that sacking Tuchel may have been a mistake.According to the Mail at the time, Tuchel was owed a £13million severance pay.Chelsea replaced the Champions League winner with Brighton’s Graham Potter, who only lasted seven month before being axed himself.Most read in FootballFrank Lampard subsequently returned as caretaker boss, before Mauricio Pochettino eventually succeeded Potter full-time.The Argentine has failed to restore the Blues’ fortunes, with his side currently sitting 11th in the Premier League.Thomas Tuchel suffers broken toe in bizarre dressing room incident as he tried to motivate Bayern stars before Lazio winPochettino, 52, has come under pressure in recent weeks, with fans singing “f*** off Mauricio” at Brentford last Saturday.Chelsea have made a habit of bringing back former managers in recent years.Prior to Lampard’s return last year, they also re-hired Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink.Commenting on a potential Tuchel comeback, one Chelsea fan wrote: “Bring him back home.”While a second gushed: “I’d cherish this opportunity so much.”A third reasoned: “I still think he will give us the results we want.”And another added: “Wow! Bring him home nowww.”While Tuchel would consider Chelsea, Manchester United is claimed to be his “dream destination”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince Ineos’ arrival as partial owners, doubts have lingered over whether Erik ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford next season.Elsewhere Liverpool are hunting a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, while West Ham and Brighton could also have vacancies – with David Moyes set to be out of contract and Roberto De Zerbi being targeted by the likes of Barcelona.Tuchel, 50, is craving a Premier League returnCredit: AFPFans turned on Mauricio Pochettino during the recent clash with BrentfordCredit: Alamy More