Politicians to express concerns over West Brom investment talks
Politicians are set to write to the English Football League and Football Association to express their concern about potential minority investment in Albion.
A letter jointly-penned by West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards and West Midlands mayor Andy Street will call for urgent attention following reports of interest from Egyptian businessman Mohamed Elkashashy and Manchester-based sports lawyer Chris Farnell.
The pair want the governing bodies to address several aspects of the interest from the duo, as well as concerns into the current ownership and finances under Guochuan Lai.
News of the investment interest was last week met with some concern by Albion supporters and minority shareholders. Elkashashy and Farnell were involved in failed takeovers of Burnley and Charlton and Farnell was unsuccessful in helping save Bury from expulsion in 2019.
The politicians are keen for both bodies continue to monitor progress. Talks with China-based Lai are at an advanced stage but it is understood investment from the duo, which could lead to a full takeover, is some way off.
West Bromwich East MP Richards has supported Albion pressure group Action for Albion since their inception last year. She facilitated founder Alistair Jones’ audience at Downing Street, including a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Parliamentary Under Secretary for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society Stuart Andrew MP.
Carlos Corberan’s squad, meanwhile, return for initial testing today and tomorrow before pre-season kickstarts on Thursday. Albion will face Shrewsbury Town in a behind-closed-doors training ground friendly on July 15.
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