Chelsea reportedly do not expect a U-turn from Roman Abramovich over unpaid debts to hinder the proposed takeover of the club.
While a consortium led by Todd Boehly has been identified as the preferred bidder, an alleged decision from Abramovich has the potential to scupper a sale.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Abramovich wants to be repaid the £1.6bn that he lent Chelsea over his 19-year stay, something which will not be allowed by the British government while the Russian oligarch is under sanctions.
Nevertheless, according to The Times, a takeover will still go through as anticipated with government taking extra steps to ensure that Abramovich does not benefit financially in the short term.
The report claims that Abramovich's recent change of heart surprised many within the government, and they will now look to guarantee that Fordstam, Chelsea's parent company, do not pay out to Camberley International Investments.
Instead, the government plan to hold the £1.6bn in question at a time when Chelsea need a sale to be made official before a deadline of May 31, when their special government licence is due to expire.
Darren Plant
