Chelsea lures Liverpool executive amid ownership changes

Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm that holds a majority stake in Chelsea, has successfully recruited David Beeston from Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool. Beeston, who previously served as co-head of FSG's sports marketing firm, will now take on the role of managing director within Clearlake's O.P.S. group. Although he was not deeply involved with Liverpool, his new position will require him to dedicate significant time to Chelsea's operations. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Clearlake and Todd Boehly, a minority owner of Chelsea. Reports indicate that the relationship between the two parties has deteriorated, leading to discussions about potential buyouts. Clearlake, which owns 61.5% of Chelsea, and Boehly, who holds a 12.8% stake, are both exploring options regarding the club's future. Behdad Eghbali, co-founder of Clearlake, has emerged as a key figure at Stamford Bridge and is reportedly at odds with Boehly. The internal strife raises questions about the club's direction and management, as both sides seek to assert their influence over Chelsea's operations. Despite the uncertainty surrounding ownership, Chelsea's head coach, Enzo Maresca, remains optimistic about the team's performance, emphasizing that the players are focused on their professional responsibilities. The situation at Chelsea reflects broader challenges within the club, as management dynamics evolve amidst ownership changes.