Arab group claims Man City deal

[nebbers]

Got me worried for a bit then...

"A Middle-East company claims to have completed a takeover of Premier League side Manchester City.

Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development (ADUG) says it has bought the club from Thaksin Shinawatra.

"The investment services and development in Abu Dhabi has successfully completed the huge takeover," its statement read.

City have said discussions are ongoing and BBC Sport understands Thaksin is eager to retain an interest in City"

[saj]

This has nothing to do with the mighty reds

[redwien]

Thread on this already exists in General Football forum.

[BigChief]

This has everything to do with the mighty reds as it means the two tw*ts will now up the asking price when Dubai comes calling. Remember bragging rights between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are now in the mix.

[sinbad]

Abu Dhabi seals deal to buy Manchester City

by Anil Bhoyrul on Monday, 01 September 2008


The deal was struck late on Sunday night between the club’s former owner Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, and ADUG.

ADUG will be represented on the new board of Manchester City by Hydra Properties CEO Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Al Fahim, who led negotiations, confirmed on Monday the deal had been struck. He told Arabian Business: “We will release details later, but this is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi.

"Our goal is very simple – to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League, and to begin with, to finish in the top four this season.”

Al Fahim stressed that the Group will solve all the club problems and clear any pending payments, and will comprehensively support the club by bringing in some of the best football players in the world.

Manchester City’s future has been uncertain following legal problems faced in Thailand by Shinawatra, who will stay on as honorary president of the club without any administrative responsibilities.

It is understood that negotiations began three weeks ago, and were completed on Sunday night at Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai.

The deal was signed in the presence of Al Fahim, a member of the Group board and the successful architect of the deal, Shinawatra and Dr Khalid Kadfour Al-Muhairy, the head of the Emirates Group for advocate and legal consultants.

After sealing the deal for one of England's best known and oldest clubs, ABUG hope it will reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a capital of both sport and economics.

Al Fahim said: "We in Abu Dhabi United Company for Development and Investment are keen to develop ways to provide support and care for various sports activities to help build and develop a new generation of young State, which represents the real wealth and the future of this nation and the cornerstone for building the future of our civilisation.

"As embodied in our mission to open new horizons in all kinds of sports, it will enable them to enjoy healthy body and mind, thanks to the lessons we have learned from the wise leadership in Abu Dhabi."

He added: "We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company from investments in all sectors of television marketing and purchasing of the stars players, as well as development of infrastructure facilities at the club."

The deal is a huge coup for Al Fahim. Through Hydra Properties he is already involved in several sports sponsorship deals, and is building a new football academy in Abu Dhabi with Italian soccer giants Inter Milan.

Manchester City was founded in 1880 under the name of "Marx Sent" (St. Marks), which was changed to "Pedro" (Ardwick AFC) in 1887. The current name was taken on in 1894.

The club has won the English League Championship twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice and the European Cup Winners Cup once.

[Rashid]

At least Shinawatra didn't leave a mess... he had good intentions for Citeh too.... David Moores a lifelong fan on the other hand totally ****ed us over.

[kev776]

At least Shinawatra didn't leave a mess... he had good intentions for Citeh too.... David Moores a lifelong fan on the other hand totally ****ed us over.

****ing hell Rashid, we should have a competition called "Spot the Rashid complement post"

[kemm1]

****ing hell Rashid, we should have a competition called "Spot the Rashid complement post"

Yeah, but unfortunately Rashid seems to be right on this.

[Rix007]

Yeah, but unfortunately Rashid seems to be right on this.

[Infadel]

This could have massive implications for Liverpool FC!

[kingfunk]

This could have massive implications for Liverpool FC!

I agree, Said on ssn that these guys will dwarf chelskis spending power plus the takeover isnt about money its just about been number one.

[Skillz]

At least Shinawatra didn't leave a mess... he had good intentions for Citeh too.... David Moores a lifelong fan on the other hand totally ****ed us over.

I really cannot stand post's like that.

How's get ****ed sound you ******.

[kingfunk]

Holy ****,, they have bids in for david villa, robinho, and berba.... crazy...

[Shaggy]

And Mario Gomez

[kingfunk]

And mario Gomez!!!