Brian Wolff, the head of the Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club and a Cubs season ticket holder, has warned that a Ricketts family takeover would be disastrous for the club.
Mr.Brian Wolff wrote the statement and post on twitter as fellow
The supporters group’s statement comes after their father Joe Ricketts came under for saying ‘muslims are my enemy’ in 2012.
Leaked emails from 2012 resurfaced last week, in which their 80-year-old father made a number of controversial comments about race, including saying, “Muslims are my enemy,” referring to Islam as a “cult,” and laughing at racist jokes.
However, it appears that the Ricketts, along with another US bid from a Todd Boehly-led consortium, are among the frontrunners to become Chelsea‘s new owners.
Below is the full statement issued by Chelsea Fan’s Forum
Dear Mr. Abramovich,Mr.Bucks,Member of the Board at Chelsea Football Club,Mr.Ravitech and Mr.Neville of the Raine Group,member of Her majesty’s Government and all other individuals associated with the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
‘As the Head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club, and the Chelsea Fans’ Forum Overseas Representative, I’ve had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea.’I can report the vast majority of opinion has been of universal disdain.
‘The Ricketts’ political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with 19 years of fantastic work done by the club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a living wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.
‘Their ownership of Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the club’s success on the pitch, and also the continued
existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge at our forever home.
‘On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favor of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important, the investment in supporters and the values we hold dear.
If not, I fear many Chelsea supporters WILL ”be booing in a year.”
Signed,
Brain Wolff
Head,Chelsea Chicago supporters Club
Chelsea FC Fan’s Forum,Oversea Representative
