Sheffield United: Prince Abdullah in talks to take sole control

A statement issued by the Championship club this evening confirmed talks are taking place although, as yet, an agreement has not been reached.
Prince Abdullah with fellow co-owner Kevin McCabePrince Abdullah with fellow co-owner Kevin McCabe
Prince Abdullah with fellow co-owner Kevin McCabe

It read: “His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Bin Mosa’ad Abdulaziz Al Saud (the Prince) and Kevin McCabe are in discussions regarding the transfer of ownership and control and Sheffield United Football Club to the Prince.

“Sheffield United Football Club is part of the Blades Leisure Limited group, a joint venture between Sheffield United Limited, controlled by the McCabe family, and companies controlled by the Prince.

“Ownership of Blades Leisure Limited is governed by an Investment Agreement dated 30th August 2013 which provides for the transfer of control of Blades to the Prince. The Investment Agreement also includes a provision for the transfer of the Club in certain circumstances of the freeholds of Bramall Lane Stadium (and the long leasehold interests in the Copthorne Hotel and Enterprise Centre) plus Shirecliffe Academy and the Junior Development Centre at Crookes.

“In response to a process commenced by Sheffield United Limited, on 26th January 2018 UTB LLC, a company controlled by the Prince, served a notice exercising an option to purchase the remaining 50% of Blades Leisure from Sheffield United Limited. Both parties are currently in negotiation with regard to the remaining provisions in the Investment Agreement and hope to come to a final settlement in the near future.

“The Prince and Kevin McCabe want to reassure everyone connected to the club that the current negotiations and transfer of ownership will have no impact on the club’s management and its staff.”