This morning Sunderland made a statement via their official website to update fans on the latest share news. It’s a saga that has gone on for many months but now there have been huge developments. The announcement made will ease fans’ fears about who could be coming in to take the shares put up for sale by former owners Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven.
The pair held a combined 39% stake in Sunderland football club and rumours had been rife that they had accepted two bids for their shares. Football ownership group ‘The Fans Together’ were those who had a bid accepted by Methven and Donald with another party unnamed. However, this was hit with backlash from fans with a petition set up to try and stop the cryptocurrency group from getting involved in the club.
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Sunderland Shares Update Will Ease Fans Fears
Sunderland AFC today announces that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has increased his ownership stake in the Club to 51%.
Juan Sartori has also increased his stake to 30%.
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— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 22, 2022
Club Statement
A brief statement from Sunderland read: “Sunderland AFC today announces that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has increased his ownership stake in the Club to 51%.
“In parallel, Juan Sartori has increased his stake to 30%. Governance remains unchanged.
“The shares have been acquired through the purchase of shares held by Charlie Methven, who has sold all of his shares, and Stewart Donald, who has sold down his stake to 19%.”
Chairman Releases Statement
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus who is now the majority shareholder, released a statement soon after via the club’s official website. He said: “Today marks an important step as we continue to rebuild Sunderland AFC.
“Following the 2021-22 season, it was the intention of Juan and I to ensure the ongoing speculation relating to the Club’s shareholding was addressed as soon as possible. Our ownership group has been consolidated and there will be no further sale of shares to a third-party buyer.
“We remain committed to our strategy of delivering long-term success and sustainability and together, alongside our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, I believe we can now move forward as one unified football club.”
Time to Move Forward
Some fans may still be wary of the involvement of Juan Sartori and Stewart Donald, but today’s news should ease any fears from fans. The Sunderland shares saga went on for longer than anyone would have liked; however, with the new season getting closer, it is time to move on.
The Black Cats will return to training on Wednesday with head coach Alex Neil now hoping that today’s news will allow him to prepare and strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Championship.
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Sunderland begin their 2022-23 season on July 30. They will discover their schedule for the new season when the fixtures are released on Thursday, June 23.
