Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has distanced himself from reports claiming that football ownership group The Fans Together are looking to buy a stake in the club. The group said earlier today that it is in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven - who own 34 percent and 5 percent of the club respectively - to purchase their shareholdings, with that duo known to be keen to cash in after the club's promotion to the Championship last month.
But with TFT touting their 'successful track record' with Greek Super League 2 side FC Episkopi, and announcing former Bradford Park Avenue executive Bob Robinson as the man leading 'SAFC project', news of their interest has gone down like a lead balloon with Sunderland fans. And Louis-Dreyfus has acted quickly to respond to TFT's reported interest, issuing a statement tonight saying: "Juan Sartori and I remain wholeheartedly committed to Sunderland AFC and our collective focus is on preparing for the upcoming Championship season.
"Neither I nor any employee from SAFC has had any dialogue with the cryptocurrency group 'The Fans Together' and although a timely conclusion to this matter is preferable, any transfer of shares must not compromise the club's integrity. All shareholders must also be qualified to take the club forward in line with EFL Governance and have alignment with the values and principles of SAFC and its supporters, as well as our long-term strategy."
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Louis-Dreyfus is the single largest shareholder in Sunderland, with a 41 percent stake, while Uruguay-based businessman and politician Sartori holds 20 percent. The Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori families are long-standing friends, and the statement hints that the two directors are working together - and between them, they hold a 61 percent controlling interest.
The club's chief operating officer Steve Davison has previously confirmed that, regardless of the shareholder split, Louis-Dreyfus has 'full control' of the club and is 'responsible and accountable' for all decisions. Neither Donald nor Methven have a seat on the board.
Earlier in the day TFT's statement said: "The Fans Together, an organisation dedicated to bringing large scale widespread fan ownership to reality, confirms it is in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven to acquire all of their 39 percent stake in Sunderland AFC. In Sunderland, we have deliberately chosen a club with a large fan base that is in a sound financial state and we are keen to work with existing shareholders to continue to build on the momentum achieved through the recent promotion to the Championship.
"While discussions are ongoing, we are unable to provide further information at this moment in time, however we will update fans and wider stakeholders as soon as possible."
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