F1 star Lewis Hamilton and famous tennis player Serena Williams have joined a consortium of UK businessman Martin Broughton to buy English Premier League football club Chelsea, Sky News reported on Thursday, citing sources.

In response to Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Russian businessmen, including Roman Abramovich, who owned Chelsea since 2003.

Thus, Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale, but he would not financially benefit from any future deal.

Sky News highlighted that Hamilton and Williams have promised to invest 10 million pounds each ($13 million) in a purchase of Chelsea.

The website added that although Hamilton and William's participation was unexpected, the two have been in talks with Broughton’s consortium for several weeks.

A source indicated that the decision to add sports stars to the consortium was made because of their experience in building global sports brands.

At the moment, three consortia take part in a race to buy the club.

Among the Broughton-led group’s bids are investment company Raine Group and US billionaire Steve Pagliuca’s bid, as well as US businessman Todd Boehly's bid.

Raine Group is expected to select a preferred bidder by the end of the month, Sky News noted.