Saudi Prince Abdullah ben Moussaed is preparing to buy the Châteauroux club, a resident of Ligue 2.
He loves France, is a fan of Platini, loves sport and money: the Saudi prince Abdallah ben Moussaed confirmed to AFP the imminent takeover of the Châteauroux club, the red lantern of Ligue 2 that he hopes to do well " go up to the highest level ”.
This wealthy investor gave the green light to the CEO of his United World group to conclude the agreement after exclusive negotiations approved unanimously in December by the general assembly of SASP Berrichone, owner of the club.
A personal fortune estimated at 200 million euros
“We have been interested in Châteauroux for some time, and the negotiations have taken a long time.
The club's position in the second division standings is now very difficult, but I am optimistic about its future, ”said Prince Moussaed, who moved from industry to sport ten years ago.
"I like sport and money", admits this 56-year-old man whose personal fortune is estimated at 200 million euros and was partly invested with United World to buy football clubs: English Sheffield in 2013, the Belgian Beerschot in 2018, the Indian Kerala United and the Emirati Al-Hilal United in 2020. “When I invested in England and Belgium, I was happy.
But for France, I have a special feeling because it is a country that reminds me of childhood.
My memories are numerous and my brother (the prince) Abdelrahmane was born there, ”he says.
"I know that Châteauroux is not far from Paris (around 270 km), another reason to please me when I am in France, besides restaurants, cafes and walks in beautiful Paris", adds- he.
“Under normal circumstances, I would visit the club (at the time of acquisition), especially since I really like France, but because of the travel conditions (the health crisis linked to Covid, editor's note), I can't go, ”he regrets.
A buyout of the club up to 2.8 million euros?
United World CEO Abdallah Al-Ghamdi "saw the last match on the pitch and reached an agreement with club officials and the board of directors" of SASP Berrichone Football, details Moussaed, stressing that the deal would be announced "soon".
For what amount?
French media have advanced the sum of 2.8 million euros: "I think the amount is higher but I do not want to divulge it", said Moussaed, convinced that Châteauroux promised to the descent in National 1 (3rd level) after four years spent in L2 can go up the slope.
“Our project is not to buy clubs from the third division, we buy from the first division.
Sheffield United (up from the Championship in the Premier League, editor's note) was the exception, and now Châteauroux is the exception, ”says Moussaed.
“When we buy a club, we have several goals: to raise the level of the club, the facilities and the level of the team.
The most important thing is to do it over time, ”he explains.
“I am happy that we own clubs from three of the four countries that reached the last semi-finals of the World Cup (England, Belgium and France).
And among 44 main players, 4 or 5 come from the academies of these clubs, ”he adds, with a special mention for France.
“I have followed French football since my childhood, and my favorite World Cup team was France, at the time of the Platini, Giresse, Tigana and Rocheteau.
When I was young, Platini was my favorite player when he played in Italy (with Juventus) ”, remembers Moussaed who had the opportunity to meet the former captain of the Blues when he was Minister of Sports.
And after Châteauroux, other clubs in sight?
“We will now stop investing for about a year, to energize our clubs.
Managing a club is not easy.
We don't want to expand beyond our human potential, ”he concludes.
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