In the most recent instance of a US-based organisation acquiring a controlling interest in an English team, Leeds United revealed on Tuesday that the English Football League had authorised the club’s takeover by the owners of NFL team San Francisco 49ers.
Last month, chairman of Leeds,Andrea Radrizzani, announced an agreement to sell the majority of the club to 49ers Enterprises, a company that has been a minority shareholder in Leeds since 2018.
Leeds United, recently relegated to the Championship from the Premier League in May, have hired former Norwich manager Daniel Farke on a four-year contract to lead the club back to the top flight.
“This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work,” said Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe in a statement released on Tuesday.
“This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club. We have already appointed a highly-respected first-team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season.”
Rudy Cline-Thomas, founder of venture capital firm MASTRY, who is joining the board as co-owner and vice-chairman, said: “With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community.
“This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission.”
