In a statement, the group said: “The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert group has decided, after careful consideration, not to submit a final bid for Chelsea FC. During the process of finalizing their proposal, it became increasingly clear that some issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics surrounding the sales process. “We have great admiration for Chelsea and its fans and we wish good luck to the new owners.” Chelsea fans opposed the offer in large numbers over historic allegations of Islamophobia, including a protest at Stamford Bridge. The Ricketts family said it “rejects all forms of hatred in the strongest possible terms” and sources said supporters’ opposition was not behind the withdrawal and that the move was made because the three consortium partners could not agree on a bid structure. The Ricketts had partnered with hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin and Rock Entertainment Group, led by Dan Gilbert, whose fortune is estimated at $ 31 billion (23 23.7 billion). The Ricketts said they planned to add Karan Bilimoria, a Tory peer, Chelsea fan and Cobra Beer founder, to the board. Quick guide

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Thank you for your response. The final bids for Chelsea’s acquisition were due on Thursday and the preferred bidder could be selected next week. Those left in the fray are a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly. a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton and Sebastian Coe backed by Philadelphia 76ers basketball owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer. and an offer led by Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca. The benefits of each bid are being evaluated by Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea board, and Raine, the US bank handling the sale, will hand over a preferred bidder to the UK government for approval.