Clearlake Capital has taken full control of Chelsea after acquiring the stakes held by Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter, bringing an end to Boehly’s chairmanship of the Premier League club.
The private equity firm, led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E Feliciano, previously owned 61.5 per cent of Chelsea. Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group.
Boehly and Walter joined Clearlake in buying Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in May 2022 in a sale mandated by the British Government. The pair have also sold their interests in French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, leaving Clearlake with full control of the partner club.
Chelsea said its aim under the revised ownership structure was “to compete at the highest level, to win major trophies, and to build sustained success”.
Head coach Xabi Alonso described the change as “an important day for the club” before Friday’s Premier League match at Brentford.
“Thanks to the former owners for what they’ve done. I was not here, but I know they played an important role,” Alonso said.
He added: “And now that Behdad is taking more control, almost full control, I think it’s good that the main one is clear.”
Alonso, who began his Chelsea role on July 1, said he had a strong relationship with Eghbali, who travelled to Madrid to outline the club’s plans before persuading the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach to take the job.
“We know where we want to be, we know that everything takes time, but the ambition for that is very clear,” the Spaniard said.
Chelsea’s highest Premier League finish since the 2022 takeover has been fourth, achieved in 2024-25 alongside victories in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
The club finished 10th last season and Alonso has been tasked with reviving an underperforming squad. Chelsea have taken seven points from their opening four league matches this campaign and sit sixth in the table.
