Boehly wants EPL all-star game as fundraiser for Ukraine

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly proposed to host a Premier League all-star game at Stamford Bridge in August. The Evening Standard claims that the match would essentially be a fundraiser for Ukraine. Russia hammered the Eastern European nation following an invasion that began over a year ago.

Team co-owner Todd Boehly first floated the idea of an American-style all-star match back in September. The scheme originally started as an effort to raise more money for the league. “Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports,” claimed Boehly. “MLB did their all-star game in L.A. this year. We made $200 million from a Monday and a Tuesday.”

Mudryk deal included clauses to help home nation

The Blues have ties to Ukraine, too. They previously purchased Ukraine international Mykhailo Mudryk in January in a deal that could reach $100 million. Part of the agreement with the player’s former club, Shakhtar Donetsk, included a payment of $24 million to go straight to helping Ukrainian soldiers.

Along with this donation, Chelsea also agreed to visit Ukraine to play a friendly against Shakhtar as well. Donbass Arena in Donetsk is hosting the match. However, the stadium has been closed for years. It was also damaged during the Russian invasion. A friendly will take place at the arena once the conflict eventually ends.

Boehly proposes All-Star Game to raise Football for Ukraine funds

Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko would also feature in the all-star game if it happens. Zinchenko, also a Ukraine international, founded Football for Ukraine following the invasion of his homeland. The non-profit charity organizes support through donations to offer supplies and to help rebuild damaged areas inside the country. Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is part of the project as well.

Although not yet confirmed, the potential all-star match would take place in the beginning of August. Details of the players or teams involved is not yet solidified. However, other Ukrainian players in the Premier League can feature. This means that Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko and Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi should also feature. The 2023/24 Premier League campaign begins on August 12, so the game would have to take place before then.

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