Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams have put forward millions of pounds towards Martin Broughton’s bid to become the new owners of Chelsea FC, according to reports.
The offer is amongst two others which are being considered by Roman Abramovich after he was sanctioned by the UK Government following the Russia / Ukraine conflict. US bank, Raine, is overseeing the sale.
Hamilton and Williams, who are arguably the highest-profile members of the three remaining buyers, have pledged around £10 million each towards the bid, sources have suggested.
After a spokesperson confirmed Formula One driver’s decision, it is now understood that he looks to place a focus on diversity and inclusion at the Premier League side, as well as the club’s local community.
Throughout their careers, both himself and Williams have been advocates in their sports in promoting equality and have been involed in various anti-discrimination projects.
Williams, American professional tennis player, is an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City FC, whilst the other consortiums who made final offers for Chelsea are led by LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and Boston Celtics Co-Owner Steve Pagliuca.
Other investors in the Broughton-led group include: Canada’s Rogers family, John Arnold and Taiwan’s Tsai family, whilst the deadline for final offers passed last Thursday.
Additionally, the BBC has received information that suggests a decision on a preferred bidder is ‘unlikely this week’, but once one is chosen it is expected that there will be ‘little opposition’.
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has stated that the application will be guaranteed after it has been assured that Abramovich will not receive any money from the takeover deal.
