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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jasper Jolly

Wrexham AFC receives £18m from government despite Hollywood backing

Ryan Reynolds, right, and Rob McElhenney celebrate with the trophy
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds, right, and Rob McElhenney after winning promotion from League One. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Wrexham AFC has risen meteorically through the English football leagues thanks to the deep pockets of Hollywood movie star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Yet the club has also had £18m in help from other, unwitting backers: Welsh taxpayers.

The club has received almost £18m in nonrepayable grants from the Welsh government via the local council, according to UK government state aid disclosures – far in excess of the direct aid listed for any other football club in Britain.

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