Chelsea in 'clandestine' talks with Qatar ruling family over future investment

London, May 5(ANI): Chelsea club directors have reportedly met Khalid Al Thani, a member of Qatari ruling family, to discuss investing in the club's future on the day the Blues announced their plans to build a 60,000-seat stadium that slots in the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's right-hand man Eugene Tenenbaum and chief executive Ron Gourlay had meetings with Al Thani that lasted for several hours.

According to the Daily Mail, Abramovich was not present at the meetings but has been kept fully conversant of Al Thani's interest in the club.

However, Chelsea maintains that though Abramovich is fully committed to the club, they are exploring commercial opportunities with the Qataris.

Tenenbaum and Gourlay invited Al Thani to the training ground to discuss potential commercial projects, as Chelsea need a massive investment to fund the intricate project at Battersea.

Chelsea's plans include preserving the significant aspects of the power station, with a 15,000-seat single tier stand at one end, and the club is looking to borrow considerable money to build a vibrant town center on the site, in which Al Thani may have an interest in funding the shopping malls. (ANI)