Strasbourg’s football club is at the center of a deep divide among its supporters following a controversial takeover by the BlueCo consortium, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, in June 2023. The move, which linked Strasbourg with Chelsea FC under a multi-club ownership model, has sparked protests from fans who feel betrayed. Many see it as a threat to the club’s identity, which has long been tied to the local Alsace region and its French-German heritage.

Before the takeover, Strasbourg had a strong, grassroots fan culture, especially after recovering from bankruptcy in 2011. The arrival of BlueCo, however, has led to accusations of Strasbourg becoming just a “Chelsea B team,” with fans frustrated by the perceived loss of independence and local pride.

Despite some financial benefits, such as a younger, vibrant squad and a renovated stadium, the fans’ protests have only intensified. Discontent has also led to tensions between the ultras and the rest of the fanbase, even turning violent at times. While some acknowledge the club’s improved financial position, many feel that the cost of success has been too high for their beloved team.