The Ricketts family's ambition to purchase Chelsea Football Club from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has been given a boost.

This comes after Lord Karan Bilimoria, the founder of Cobra Beer, joined the family's attempt to buy the Stamford Bridge club.

Lord Bilimoria, a Chelsea supporter and the founder and chairman of the UK India Business Council, now lends political clout to the Ricketts' bid to purchase the club.

Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert, two multibillionaires from the United States, have since joined the Ricketts family in putting together a substantial offer for Chelsea.

Chelsea are poised to sell for a record-breaking £3 billion in a sports franchise sale.

“I founded Cobra Beer just down the road from Stamford Bridge and have been a season ticket holder for many years,” said Bilimoria.

So when Tom Ricketts approached me to discuss a leading role in his bid group, there was no way I could refuse.

“Tom and the wider group have a proven track record of running successful sports teams and a strong vision for both the club and the local community.”