Investors target promotion at football league club
Bristol Rovers are the latest English club to be snapped up by overseas investors, with the Jordanian Al Qadi family acquiring the League Two outfit.
Mr Wael Al Qadi, who describes himself as a lifelong fan of English football, is already a member of the executive board of the Jordan Football Association. He has now taken up the role of President with The Pirates with immediate effect.
The former Chairman of Swansea City, Steve Hamer – who has played a key role in the deal – will remain with the club as the new Chairman, replacing Nick Higgs, will step down.
Mr Al Qadi, aged 46, and a father of four, was educated at Westminster School and Boston University. His family is rumoured to have a wealth in excess of £1.4billion.
He commented: “I’ve been a passionate football fan all of my life and I’m excited to become involved with Bristol Rovers, which has such an amazing heritage and loyal fan base.
“We really see the potential of this great club. Bristol Rovers has always been known as a family club and it is my family’s wish to maintain that tradition, through our own involvement and commitment.
“Whilst we will be investing in the club, we also want to see the club grow organically and we will be introducing a good recruitment policy, new structure, a new academy system that will produce a flow of players into the first team.
“We believe in a mix of home grown youth and experience to achieve the success this club and the region deserves.”
Hamer added that he was confident the move would be hugely beneficial for the club as they attempt to climb up the football league ladder.
“I truly believe they can deliver the success for the club and its fans, which they deserve,” he said.
“We would like to place on record our thanks and recognition for all the hard work Nick Higgs and his team have done in the past.”
Higgs added: “I sincerely believe that Bristol Rovers can count itself as being very fortunate to attract the interest of Mr Al Qadi and his family.
“This club and the region deserve to have considerably more prominence on the football map.
“The board promised the fans on many occasions that it would only agree to the sale of the club if the right person expressed a serious interest.”
