Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has just a 41 per cent stake in the club, according to the latest reports.
The Athletic claims the Swiss-French billionaire owns 'less than a majority shareholding' with Stewart Donald retaining a 34 per cent stake in the club.
In response to questions put to the club by The Athletic , Sunderland revealed a breakdown of the shareholdings, with Juan Sartori holding 20 per cent and Charlie Methven also retaining five per cent.