Chelsea Fans Rally for Massive Ownership Revolt Following Enzo Maresca Exit
A group of Chelsea fans have organized a demonstration against the club's present trajectory following Enzo Maresca's exit.
Maresca departed from his managerial position not due to performance concerns or squad-related difficulties, but because of a total collapse in his working relationship with Chelsea's decision-makers and their controversial strategy.
Following BlueCo's takeover in 2022, a group led by Todd Boehly but mainly overseen by Clearlake Capital and co-owner Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea have concentrated on acquiring younger talent through co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, expecting their coaches to maximize the resources provided.
The ownership is now seeking their fifth permanent head coach during their reign after Maresca joined Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino in departing Stamford Bridge, with the last two also expressing concerns about Chelsea's strategy.
Maresca's exit has triggered widespread discontent among supporters who, despite not always backing Maresca unanimously, supported the Italian against what the organization 'Not A Project CFC' termed "excessive interference" from the hierarchy.
To express their dissatisfaction, the supporter group has organized a demonstration prior to the Brentford match on Jan. 17, hoping to persuade the leadership to abandon their present strategy in favor of one offering realistic prospects for immediate on-field achievement.
Confidence in 'the Project' Diminishing Among Frustrated Supporters
"This situation requires solidarity, transparency and decisive action from supporters who have previously united, particularly to prevent the Super League," the demonstration announcement declares. "When Chelsea fans come together, we create change. This situation requires that identical solidarity once more.
"This represents a peaceful, supporter-organized demonstration by Chelsea fans who feel increasingly alienated from the management and vision of our club. This concerns neither individual players nor online debates. And this is not about blaming a single manager. This demonstration targets the ownership structure and sporting framework now led by Behdad Eghbali at Chelsea Football Club.
"Following the acquisition, Chelsea has operated less like a premier club and more like a player development business, emphasizing turnover, speculation and future prospects while neglecting current competitiveness.
"Accountability for this approach rests with the present leadership: Behdad Eghbali, along with sporting directors Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and the remaining sporting management team.
"They have been given responsibility for football planning, recruitment and team construction. Put simply, they have FAILED to achieve the expectations demanded at a club of Chelsea's stature, heritage and aspirations."
The organization highlights "roster instability" under BlueCo, contending that unprecedented investment in new signings has not brought Chelsea closer to winning titles and has instead emphasized revenue from player transfers over trophies.
"Chelsea have emphasized future potential while compromising the present, resulting in erratic displays," the declaration continues. "While our competitors strengthen for immediate success, Chelsea supporters are repeatedly told to be patient. In seasons one or two we might tolerate this position, not in season four of the 'project.'"
"Chelsea is not a trading platform," it states. "Chelsea exists to compete at the elite level. This demonstration concerns standards, ambition and our club's destiny. "