Chelsea and Strasbourg Supporters to Stage Joint Protest Against BlueCo Ownership
In a significant display of cross-border fan unity, supporters from Chelsea and French club Strasbourg will converge in London next month for a coordinated protest march against their shared ownership. The demonstration, organized by Chelsea protest group NotAProjectCFC, is scheduled to take place before Chelsea's home match against Manchester United on Saturday, April 18.
Unified Fan Action Against BlueCo Consortium
The protest will see NotAProjectCFC joined by four Strasbourg fan groups: Ultra Boys 90, Kop Ciel et Blanc, Federation des Supporters du RCS, and Pariser. Both football clubs are owned by the Clearlake Capital-Todd Boehly consortium, operating under the BlueCo banner. This joint action marks an escalation in fan discontent, with supporters from both sides expressing frustration over how their clubs are being managed under the multi-club ownership model.
NotAProjectCFC previously staged a solo protest outside Stamford Bridge in January, attracting up to 200 participants. However, that demonstration received mixed reviews as the 'BlueCo Out' message was somewhat diluted by attendees singing songs for former head coach Enzo Maresca. The upcoming protest aims for clearer messaging with reinforced numbers from French supporters flying in specifically for the event.
Statement of Purpose and Historical Significance
In a statement released on Friday evening, NotAProjectCFC declared: 'As a result of the continued erosion of values at both football clubs, we have decided to come together to take action with one clear, unified message: BlueCo Out.' The group emphasized that Strasbourg supporters have long been uncomfortable with their status as Chelsea's sister club within the BlueCo structure.
The statement continued: 'Members of Ultra Boys 90, Kop Ciel et Blanc, Federation des supporters du RCS and Pariser section have kindly agreed to fly over to London and walk in unison with us on a protest march towards Stamford Bridge ahead of the match. Supporters of both clubs are invited to join us on this march.'
NotAProjectCFC outlined their broader concerns: 'We plan to shine a light on not only the incompetence and mismanagement at Chelsea Football Club, but also the restrictions implemented by multi-club ownership, where clubs like RC Strasbourg are being stripped of their identities, and where longstanding and respected fan groups are being censored and repressed by a brutal ownership.'
The group framed the protest as potentially historic: 'We believe this could be a seismic moment in the history of football, where fans of clubs from separate countries will come together to do what is right not only for our clubs individually, but for the sport more widely. Together, we can force change.'
Background of Fan Discontent and Recent Developments
The protest comes amid ongoing tensions between supporters and club management. NotAProjectCFC recently revealed details of a confidential meeting in February with a 'club director,' which Daily Mail Sport has confirmed was board member Danny Finkelstein. According to attendees, Finkelstein told the group it is 'f***ing obvious we're building one of the best teams in the world,' a claim that those present strongly disputed.
This fan discontent coincides with managerial changes at Chelsea, with Liam Rosenior having replaced Enzo Maresca as the new Blues boss, making the switch from one side of the ownership structure to the other. The protest organizers hope their unified action will draw attention to what they see as systemic problems within the BlueCo ownership model, particularly regarding club identity and fan representation.
The April 18 demonstration represents a growing international movement among football supporters challenging multi-club ownership structures, with Chelsea and Strasbourg fans now joining forces to voice their collective dissatisfaction with BlueCo's stewardship of their respective clubs.
