A Ghanaian businessman and politician, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has joined the list of rich men who want to own European Champions, Chelsea football club.
The $3.1 billion bid by the 45-year-old for the English club was revealed in a letter published by the media on Wednesday, 13th of March. Chelsea is currently valued at £3 billion by owner Roman Abramovich.
Earlier in March, the club was put up for sale by Abramovich after calls for sanctions against him by the U.K. government echoed in many quarters. These calls were borne as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Joining the queue of willing buyers, Boasiako popularly known as ‘Chairman Wontumi’ officially declared his interest in buying the two-time UCL winners in a letter to the club.
“I am informed of the intention by the owner of your reputable club, Mr Roman Abramovich, to put up Chelsea Football Club for sale,” the letter read.
“I am by this letter writing to officially declare my intention for the purchase of same.
“My official bid is in the range of three point one billion dollars ($3.1 billion).
“My legal team and transactional advisors are ready to engage in negotiations.”
News of the bid broke the internet when it was revealed and a couple of internet users doubted the intention behind the bid because the Ghanaian Ghanaian gold mine entrepreneur had not previously expressed interest in sport.
When quizzed on the doubts, he responded in an interview with Wontumi FM, “[d]o you see me as a joke person? So is money supposed to be given, owned by angels or ghosts? At the moment, we are bidding so I don’t want to talk a lot. My lawyers and financiers are going so once they finish everything, there will be more details.”
He also declared that he is ready to match the lofty ambitions that have been created all through the stewardship of Abramovich.
“If I become the owner, I want Black Brazilian in Real Madrid, Vinicius, and sell off [Romelu] Lukaku,” he added in his interview.
“I will speak with Manchester United to see if I can also buy Cristiano Ronaldo for Chelsea. I’d also look at signing Lionel Messi. Abramovich has done his best. It is time for him to support a Ghanaian or an African to buy Chelsea.”
