I see VT is expanding his football 'empire' and has now bought a Belgian Club Not that he will make the same headlines as they already play in red - I guess that was part of the attraction? He is now part of 4 football clubs? How many does he need? Reported on Sky Sports
Aren't there certain rules against one owner having more than one football club? I'm obviously wrong as he is doing it, but am sure I read something along them lines a few years back...
the rule is basically that one person or consortium can't own more than one club in the league; i believe it's so one person doesn't buy every club in a league and pockets the promotion money and such
The rule is anyone can own as many clubs as they like but they can't play against each other in any European competitive game. The Pozzo family own Watford, Udinese in Italy and Granada in Spain without any problems. They can swap players from each team without any serious questions being asked but the clubs can't play each other within Europe under a common ownership
Remote, two different leagues. I first heard about this ruling when Robert Maxwell (then owner of Oxford) tried to buy into Derby. If not Derby another English league club.
so what was the issue with Ashley and Rangers? Wasn't there an issue because he owned Newcastle? I know they are two different leagues Taff, which is why I don't understand the issue over Ashley owning stakes in both clubs.
My apologies remote, reading my response again I slapped my head. The police are investigating the takeover not Ashley in particular. It's an ongoing investigation involving the conduct of interested parties during the takeover. Nothing to do with owning 2 clubs.
And if they are drawn against eachother in Europe? If for example they both reached the UEFA final, what would happen here?
As far as I know that has still to be tested, but I can't imagine it would be allowed to go that far if were was the possibility at the outset of any particular competition. I don't see Cardiff being in any such competition anytime soon but it could have happened already with Tan's current ownership of FC Sarajevo if they were.
I was thinking Newcastle and Rangers. Both are not so great right now, but no doubt will be competing again in a few years time. There is a very real possibility they could be drawn in Europe. The thing is, if FIFA leave this slide, they are setting a precedent. Its basically giving a green light to owners that their teams can compete. It may only be limited to the UEFA cup for a time, but once that can of worms is opened it could very well spiral out of control. Interesting times.
As far as I know, Ashley has a minority share in Rangers but has also given them a big loan. It may even have been paid off b y now. But I think there has been no takeover bid that got very far and I assume that if there was, someone would look closely at it. As for the current Rangers investigation, that is more to do with Craig Whyte and how he funded the takeover he made.....using the next three years season ticket sales as collateral for a loan.....along with some other naughties......according to Private Eye.
No need to apologise Taff. I've misread similar myself. Didn't realise it was a more general issue with Rangers, just remember there being an issue and thought is was down to multiple ownership. Read the other day that Ashley has asked for his loan to be repaid, so still outstanding.
