The three consortiums still in the running to buy Chelsea have been contacted by the Raine Group, which is brokering the sale, warning that one of the conditions of the deal is a commitment that they will not be able to resell the club in the next decade, in an "attempt to ensure stability and continuity at Stamford Bridge."

The Raine Group is expected to make a recommendation on the preferred consortium for the estimated €3 billion deal in the coming days, but first all three must submit to the "Premier League" Owners and Directors Test.

The proposal led by Todd Boehly, one of the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, is considered the favorite. Steve Pagliuca, one of the owners of the Boston Celtics (basketball), said that the investment in Chelsea would be "for life."

The third consortium is headed by Martin Broughton, former chairman of Liverpool and British Airways.

Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club on March 2, even before the British government sanctions.