MOSCOW, Mar 28 The Raine Group merchant bank that sells the English football club Chelsea, owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, has said that it will select the best offer to buy the team and recommend it for acceptance by the country and the league by April 18, according to Sky Sports. According to journalists, the four remaining applicants received letters saying that the decision on choosing the best offer will be made before April 18. The deadline for submitting bids to buy the football club is April 11. The shortlisted bidders include the Ricketts family, owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball club, Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boeli, businessman Martin Broughton, and co-owner of the Italian football club. Atalanta's Steven Palyuka. Among the mandatory conditions put forward by the trading bank Raine Group to the potential owner of the Blues is the allocation of at least a billion pounds sterling for investment in the club. Also, additional funds should be allocated for the development of the Stamford Bridge stadium, support for the playing squad and the development of other areas of the team. This measure is intended to reassure fans who fear a significant reduction in the club's funding.
