Proposed Takeover Abandoned
Turki Alalshikh has withdrawn his proposed takeover of Derby County. The deal, which involved Alalshikh’s Lion Sport, had received sanctioning from both the English Football League (EFL) and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). However, Derby County was informed on Monday that Alalshikh no longer wished to proceed with the purchase of what was understood to be a controlling stake in the club.
A club statement confirmed the development, stating, "For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market." The statement added that the club "will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments." Preparations for the new EFL season, which begins against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, are set to continue.
Reasons for Withdrawal
In a social media statement, Alalshikh expressed gratitude to those at Derby County involved in the proposed deal. He indicated that the time required for the ratification process was a factor in his decision to withdraw. "We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respect the importance of that," he posted on X.
Alalshikh further explained, "But unfortunately with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead." He concluded that "After careful consideration, we don’t feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future."
Regulatory Process and Concerns
The proposed deal for Alalshikh, who is a co-founder of the boxing promotion company Zuffa, to acquire a controlling stake in the Championship club had been under review by the football regulator since May. An IFR spokesperson clarified that the regulator has a statutory duty to thoroughly assess all prospective owners of clubs within the top five divisions of men’s football.
The assessment was completed in 55 days, which is within the 90 days allowed by law. The IFR had communicated a "minded-to decision" to approve the bid last week, prior to the start of the 2026-27 season. The regulator’s process involves evaluating candidates against criteria such as financial soundness, sufficient financial resources, source of wealth, and honesty and integrity, including checks for criminal proceedings, civil actions, and other regulatory investigations.
The potential takeover had drawn criticism from human rights campaigners, including Amnesty International. In June, Amnesty International stated that the independent regulator faced a "defining test" regarding the investment. Alalshikh, who serves as the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and is reportedly close to the Kingdom’s de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, has been criticised by human rights groups.
These groups have accused Saudi Arabia of engaging in ‘sportswashing,’ using sports to enhance its global image and divert attention from its human rights record, treatment of women, use of the death penalty, and anti-LGBT stance. Alalshikh previously owned Egyptian club Pyramids between 2018 and 2019, and more recently owned Spanish side Almeria, which he sold to a Saudi Arabian investment group last May.
The club confirmed that it will not offer further comment on the matter.
The club’s preparations for the new EFL season are continuing, with their first match scheduled against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
