Eagle Holdings, a group that belongs to businessman John Textor, owner of SAF do Botafogo, will receive a large investment from the global sports investment group Sportsbank, which is based in London, England.
The investment, according to the French newspaper “L’Equipe”, will be 200 million pounds (R$ 1.5 billion). Understand whether Botafogo will be able to use the value.
Details of the partnership between John Textor and Sportsbank
Sportsbank confirmed the agreement this Wednesday (08/01). According to the website “The Athletic”, Sportsbank will invest in Eagle, but will not be the buyer of Textor’s share in Crystal Palace (ING), despite its owner, Englishman Zechariah Janjua, being a Palace fan.
Also according to “The Athletic”, the purchase of Textor’s share in Palace will be made by a group of businessmen from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Jason Kidd, coach of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, is among those involved in the acquisition. The value will be 185 million dollars (R$ 1.1 billion). Textor owns 45% of Palace shares. The agreement is expected to be announced soon.
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Textor’s idea is to acquire a new club in England and have most of its control. Buying Everton is the strongest possibility.
Regarding Sportsbank’s funding, the company cited Botafogo in an official note. Thus, it is possible that the club will benefit in some way. However, the one who should receive investment as a priority is Lyon (FRA), another Eagle Holdings club. The French club is in a delicate financial situation.
Lyon are banned from signing in the current transfer window and have been threatened with relegation in France if they fail to improve their fortunes.
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Read note published by Sportsbank
“Sportsbank, the sports investment company led by Crystal Palace fan Zechariah Janjua, announces that it has entered into an agreement with Eagle for an investment that will include a period of exclusivity whilst due diligence is carried out and relevant commercial and legal agreements are concluded .
Sportsbank intends to make a significant financial and management investment in Eagle, with the support of major international financial and strategic management investors who strongly support Eagle’s multi-club model. Eagle currently owns and manages a portfolio of iconic football clubs, including Lyon in France, Crystal Palace in the UK, Botafogo in Brazil and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.
Sportsbank is being advised by Keith Harris & Associates Limited, a corporate and sports consultancy firm. Further announcements will be made once Sportsbank’s intended investment in the Eagles is completed.”
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