Chelsea are set to replace Todd Boehly as chairman in 2027 as per an agreement with Clearlake Capital.
After purchasing the club in 2022, an agreement between Clearlake Capital and the American co-owners means the chairmanship can pass between themselves every five years.
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The Blues have now decided to trigger that clause at the earliest opportunity at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Part of the group's takeover in 2022 saw Boehly named as the first chairman despite only holding a minority stake.
Clearlake Capital, managed by Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, have a 61.5 per cent stake, while Boehly has an equal split alongside Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter of the remaining 38.5 per cent.
While Boehly is set to be removed from his role in 2027, there is also a clause that could see the American billionaire return as chairman in 2032 at the end of the next five-year cycle.
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However, the American is claimed to be increasingly distanced from Clearlake Capital, who appear to be calling the shots at Stamford Bridge.
It is further reported that Boehly's group hold 'common stock' whereas majority stakeholders Clearlake Capital have 'preferred stock', which offers protection from financial downsides.
While a new chairman has not been picked ahead of 2027, either Eghbali or Feliciano could take the role themselves or someone could be appointed to the post.
No decision has been made on whether or not that will happen but Boehly will be removed from his post.
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But with the agreement in place to switch chairmanships on a five-year basis, Boehly could reclaim the job in 2032.
However, he and his group could also appoint a chairman instead.
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There is no rift between Boehly and Clearlake, rather the contrary as any major decision needs both signatures from Boehly and Eghbali, who are on regular speaking terms.
However, the fact such a decision is being made indicates that they believe that there is room for improvement at Chelsea.
Boehly, who also owns 20 per cent of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been the subject of ire from Chelsea supporters in recent times.
As arguably the most public face of the current ownership, Chelsea fans have chanted against his running of the club while he also has taken on criticism from the media.
Eghbali, though, has stayed largely in the background but is as involved in the day-to-day running of the London outfit, if not more so.
Chelsea are currently 11th in the Premier League, having finished 12th last season, and recorded pre-tax losses of £90.1million earlier this month.