The Ricketts Family have presented Chelsea fans with an eight-point plan outlining their vision for the club’s future as part of their bid to buy the west London side.
They say that they will never participate in a European Super League, and have committed to keeping the club at Stamford Bridge.
The Ricketts Family are one of the four shortlisted bidders to buy Chelsea, and also own the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale after being sanctioned by the UK government last month.
Financial backing has also been added by hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, and Rock Entertainment Group, headed by Dan Gilbert.
Some Chelsea fans have been critical of the Ricketts’ attempt to buy the club. There was a protest against their potential ownership ahead of Chelsea’s 4-1 loss to Brentford on Saturday.
That afternoon, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a statement that the Ricketts family’s bid was not “in the best interests” of the team.
This is, in part, due to Joe Ricketts, the patriarch of the family, branding Muslims “my enemy” in a leaked email from 2019. Joe has no role at the Cubs or in the bid to buy Chelsea.
A statement from the Ricketts Family read: “Over the past fortnight, the Ricketts Family has met with several Chelsea supporter groups and carefully listened to all their feedback.
“As we enter the next phase of the process, we are sharing a list of specific commitments that give fans a pivotal role in protecting Chelsea’s heritage and building for future success. We will continue to discuss our ambitions for the club with fans and the wider football community in the coming days. We will:
“1. Make no change to the club’s name, badge and crest, or Chelsea blue, without the consent of supporters.
“2. Never participate in a European Super League and always protect the integrity and heritage of Chelsea F.C.
“3. Commit the resources necessary across all levels of the club to continue winning trophies, including investing in the first team, experienced football leadership and the academy.
“4. Put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club and fight against any form of discrimination or inequality.
“5. Create an Advisory Committee with diverse representation to ensure our decisions are informed by: a former men’s and women’s first team player, members of the CST and Chelsea Pitch Owners, and influential community leaders.
“6. Explore every option to redevelop Stamford Bridge and do everything in our power to keep playing in this historic stadium.
“7. Match the current commitment to Chelsea F.C. Women and increase the number of women’s matches played at Stamford Bridge.
“8. Continue the vital charitable work of the Chelsea Foundation, seeking to use the power of football and sport to motivate, educate and inspire.”
The Ricketts Family will fly into London for discussions with the club this week, alongside other bidders.