British architect Nick Candy is “actively exploring” opportunities to challenge Chelsea’s ownership.
The millionaire – who has been a Blues fan of his life – is looking to join another club or federation to apply to buy the club after Roman Abramovich last week announced his intention to sell.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to calls for current owner Abramovich – and other Russians and organizations – to face sanctions from the British government, as the 55-year-old Russian oligarch was photographed with President Vladimir Putin in the past.
Although Abramovich’s spokesman said he was “trying to help” find a peaceful solution to the dispute, the billionaire later announced that he had made a “very difficult” decision to sell the group, which they have had since 2003.
Candy – an expert in luxury homes and married to Australian singer and actress Holly Valance – will also be looking to improve the club’s facilities. Plans to build a new 60,000-seat stadium on Stamford Bridge were closed in 2018.
A spokesman for Mr Candy commented: “Nick Candy is looking at a number of options for a bid for Chelsea Football Club.
“Any bid will be made in partnership with another party (or consortium) and we have great interest from a few international partners.
“Mr Candy has a strong relationship with Chelsea – his father was asked to play for the club and has been watching games at Stamford Bridge since he was four years old.
“The club deserves a stadium and world-class infrastructure and Mr. Candy’s unique expertise and marketing space can be very helpful in delivering this idea.”
Others who want to enter tenders so far include the Swiss-American consortium led by billionaires Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly.
The sale of the club is being handled by the US-based Raine Group, which has set a March 15 deadline for potential artists, although more tenders are expected.
