The Ricketts family has vowed never to participate in a European Super League should they succeed in buying Chelsea Football Club.
Chelsea fans have voiced their concerns over the Ricketts’ bid, with protests taking place ahead of their Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday.
A petition to stop the Ricketts family from buying Chelsea has also reached over 20,000 signatures, with supporters calling for the bid to be rejected due to alleged racist comments previously made by family patriarch, Joe Ricketts.
A statement alongside the petition said: “The Ricketts family have stated their intention to purchase Chelsea football club after Roman listed the club for sale.
“All Chelsea fans are against the family owning our club.”
But now the proposed buyers have outlined their intentions and goals for the club should the takeover be successfully completed.
A Ricketts family statement said: “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 make no change to the club’s name, badge and crest, or Chelsea blue, without the consent of supporters.
“We will never participate in a European Super League and always protect the integrity and heritage of Chelsea F.C.
“We will 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.
“We will put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club and fight against any form of discrimination or inequality.
“We will 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 Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and Chelsea Pitch Owners, and influential community leaders.
“We will explore every option to redevelop Stamford Bridge and do everything in our power to keep playing in this historic stadium.
“We will match the current commitment to Chelsea FC Women and increase the number of women’s matches played at Stamford Bridge.
“We will continue the vital charitable work of the Chelsea Foundation, seeking to use the power of football and sport to motivate, educate and inspire.”
The Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family are among the four bidders vying to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, with final submissions due on April 11.
Chelsea fans protest outside the ground against the potential sale of the club to the Ricketts family ahead of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge
Adam Davy
Chelsea Football Club is up for sale
Mike Hewitt
