Sunderland AFC takeover: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus outlines vision for fans after agreeing to become majority shareholder and chairman

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has outlined his ambition to restore Sunderland to the top tier of English football.
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Louis-Dreyfus has agreed a deal that will see him assume the majority shareholding of the club from Stewart Donald, pending EFL approval.

Should that be granted, he will take the reins as chairman.

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Sunderland has already begun a period of significant change, with Kristjaan Speakman recently installed as sporting director and Lee Johnson appointed head coach.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (L) is set to become the club's new majority shareholder and chairmanKyril Louis-Dreyfus (L) is set to become the club's new majority shareholder and chairman
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (L) is set to become the club's new majority shareholder and chairman

Louis-Dreyfus says there will be a ‘long-term strategy’ that ‘integrates Sunderland’s proud traditions with a modern structure and approach’.

It is not yet known what stake Louis-Dreyfus will take in the club, but he will have control of the club’s future direction.

“First, I would like to thank Stewart Donald for his integrity and reasonableness over the last three months, which has led to me having the opportunity to take a controlling stake in Sunderland AFC,” Louis-Dreyfus said.

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"I am fully aware of the efforts undertaken by the current ownership and Board to protect the viability of the Club and respect the difficulty of this task, given Sunderland’s recent past and the current economic climate.

“We respectfully await the EFL’s approval for this transaction. Nonetheless it would be remiss of me at this stage not to emphasise what an enormous honour it would be for me to become involved with such a historic club, in a city renowned for its rich football culture going back to 1879. Many will be aware of my family connections to the industry and, in acquiring Sunderland AFC, I understand the responsibility that’s placed upon me as the custodian of the club’s future.

“Moving forward, we have a long-term strategy which integrates Sunderland’s proud traditions with a modern structure and approach.

"We will seek to be at the frontier of research and innovation in all performance domains and place great emphasis on player development and the team’s style of play. We want to create a team that is entertaining to watch and that embodies the spirit and the culture of those who attend, thereby reconnecting the team with its fanbase, whose support will be so vital to our success.

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“In the midst of a global pandemic, we should all be aware of the difficult situation the club is currently in and the challenges we face in the months to come.

"However, through hard work, a diligent plan and togetherness from the Board of Directors, staff, players and supporters we can between us create a brighter future at the Stadium of Light.

"If we all play our parts, I firmly believe we can restore Sunderland AFC to the top tier of English football and I can’t wait to get started.”

The club have said that they do not expect the deal to be ratified by the EFL until at least mid-January.

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"Documentation relating to the deal has been lodged today with the EFL for their scrutiny, and the Club recognises that the EFL need to approve all aspects of the transaction and business plan going forward before any change of control,” the statement reads.

"Given the time of year, that process is not expected to conclude until mid-January, until which point there will be no further public comment from Sunderland AFC or Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.”

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