Chelsea hands full control to Clearlake as Todd Boehly steps down
On Wednesday Chelsea Football Club confirmed that Clearlake Capital Group, the American technology investor already on the board, has bought the shares held by the other three partners, giving it full control and ending Todd Boehly’s tenure as chairman. Boehly had taken the chair in 2022 after the club was sold by Russian Roman Abramovich.
Shareholder reshuffle gives Clearlake full control
The deal sees Clearlake Capital Group acquire the stakes previously owned by American Mark Walter, Swiss investor Hansjörg Wyss and the departing Todd Boehly. Before the transaction Clearlake already held a majority share, while the three partners together owned the remainder. With the purchase the investment fund now controls the entire English club. Hansjörg Wyss will stay on as a shareholder and partner within the Clearlake‑led ownership consortium.
In his farewell statement Boehly wrote, “Foi uma honra servir como presidente do Chelsea Football Club,” thanking the Premier League, coaches, players and supporters for helping secure a promising future. He expressed gratitude to the Premier League, coaching staff, players and the club’s global fan base.
He added, “It has been an honour to serve as chairman of Chelsea FC. I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned to continue succeeding under Clearlake’s leadership.” The former chairman also praised his partnership with Clearlake and the collective decisions that supported the club’s immediate and long‑term success.
No immediate impact on club operations
Chelsea clarified that the change in control will not involve any modifications to day‑to‑day operations, leadership or strategic direction. The club’s executive team and coaching staff remain unchanged. Clearlake Capital Group said it will stay the course set over the past few years. The club’s commitment to player development includes ongoing support for its youth academy.
The investment fund pledged to continue investing in infrastructure, sporting performance and player development. It reaffirmed its commitment to the long‑term growth of the Chelsea Football Club brand and its facilities.
Legacy of Boehly’s four‑year spell
During the four years under Boehly’s chairmanship, Chelsea secured two trophies: the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The latter made the club the inaugural champion of that competition. Boehly highlighted these achievements as evidence of the club’s immediate and long‑term success.
The ownership change follows the 2022 sale of Chelsea by Russian Roman Abramovich, a transaction mandated by the UK government. Prior to the latest deal, Clearlake Capital Group owned 61.5 percent of the club, with Boehly and Walter holding the balance alongside Wyss. Boehly and Walter were among the investors who teamed with Clearlake to acquire the club from Abramovich in May 2022.