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."
