Just three months after it was first reported that Maxim Demin was looking to sell the club, a deal has now been ratified by the Premier League which has seen 100% of AFC Bournemouth’s shares sold to “Black Knight Football Club”.
After 11 years Russian Businessman Maxim Demin has walked away from Dean Court, during his period with the Cherries Demin has gone from being a regular visitor during the Cherries promotion season from the fourth tier of English football to 50% owner during the seasons in the third tier and then as sole owner during two spells in the Championship and in the Premier League.
The consortium that has completed the takeover is led by American businessman Bill Foley who has been waiting for the final ratification since October, when Foley came to his first game, a win over Leicester City.
The deal has been reportedly worth in the region of £120 million.
Foley has been announced as the new chairman of AFC Bournemouth and in a statement on afcb.co.uk said…
“Without the belief and financial backing of Maxim and his family, AFC Bournemouth might well have ceased to exist. Maxim’s support and involvement has allowed the club to establish itself as a top-flight team. We’d like to thank him for his co-operation throughout the process and praise his hard work whilst owner of the club. We wish him well as he focusses on his other business endeavours.”
Foley also stated his desire to “enhance player development, facilities, and the fan experience to put AFC Bournemouth in the best possible position to succeed”.
A message for #afcb supporters from Bill Foley 🗣 pic.twitter.com/d6uJ4p8xA9
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 13, 2022
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 13, 2022
In an email sent to AFC Bournemouth, Bill Foley wrote…
“…I am excited to be returning to England for our next home match, on New Year’s Eve, as my wife Carol and I get comfortable in our home in Bournemouth. We plan to visit regularly to support the Cherries in person. And wherever I am, our staff and I want to hear your thoughts on how we can improve…”
The official statement on afcb.co.uk also announced the involvement of a company named as Cannae Holdings Inc, which owns 50.1% of Black Knight Football Club. The minority ownership group is led by award-winning actor, director and producer Michael B. Jordan and Nullah Sarker, who, according to the statement will “work closely with Bill in areas including global marketing and internationalisation of the club.”
🚨 | Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan is now a part owner of AFC Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/Ukl1nKIz1a
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 13, 2022
Michael B Jordan has appeared in many recent Hollywood blockbusters in recent years including Fantastic Four and the Creed and Black Panther series. Whilst in 2020 Time Magazine listed him in the top 100 most influential people in the world.
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
Wow, it’s actually happened. Very glad to have some resolution to the situation.
What to say? Well, firstly a huge thank you, Max. What a ride you took us on.
What the future holds we’ll have to see. All the best Bill, we’re in your hands now, please look after the club. – To join the discussion, click here.
