Todd Boehly has reportedly been provided with a further obstacle in his efforts to sell his Chelsea stake.
Boehly is a co-owner of the Premier League side along with Clearlake Capital, co-fronted by Behdad Eghbali who has played a major role behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
After yet another productive transfer window, it was perceived to the outside world that the pair were working in unison in an effort to re-establish Chelsea as a title contender.
However, reports emerged over the weekend that suggested that the pair's working relationship was no longer as strong as it once was.
As a result, Boehly is seemingly interested in cashing in on his 38.5% stake in the West London outfit, partially through the lack of progress with regards to the redevelopment of the club's ground.
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Eghbali takes ownership stance
With a civil war having broken out behind the scenes, Chelsea are in a position where they can only benefit if it is resolved as soon as possible.
That could theoretically be achieved if either Boehly or Clearlake were able to buy the other out, something which does not seem plausible as it stands.
According to The Sun, Boehly will struggle to convince Eghbali to allow him to sell his stake to an outside source.
Clearlake allegedly have no intention of allowing Boehly to hand his portion of Chelsea to someone who they are unfamiliar with.
Courtesy of possessing the majority stake of 61.5%, Clearlake hold that right, and it has the potential to drag out matters.
While Boehly is reportedly of the opinion that he could raise the money required to buy out Clearlake, that is said to not be an option that Clearlake are prepared to consider.
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Will this impact matters on the pitch?
A prolonged battle for control is not ideal for anyone associated with Chelsea, particularly Enzo Maresca when he is just five matches into his reign as head coach.
From an on-field perspective, though, Chelsea are not in a position where they are in any great need for new players given the magnitude of their activity in the market.
The big issue could be who decides which players stay or leave at a time when the squad is overloaded with talent.
Darren Plant
