adminLONDON. — American businessman and entrepreneur Stan Kroenke is unlikely to be upset by the outpouring of heated opposition from Arsenal fans following his takeover of historic English Premier League soccer club.
The hard-nosed multi-billionaire from Columbia, Missouri, who joined the American invasion of English football over a decade ago, has absorbed a steady volume of abuse since he first bought into the club in 2007.
The level of opposition rose significantly this week however as the 71-year-old, who collects sports franchises like trophies, bought out the club by purchasing the 30% holding of long-time rival minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov for £550 million ($712 million).
Adding to his 67% stake, the gambit took Kroenke well over the 90% mark that triggers a mandatory buyout of the remainder of the shares, shutting out die-hard fans.
Usmanov bade farewell to the club with a cryptic message saying Arsenal, without a league title since 2004, “could be the best club in the world,” but presumably not in the hands of the American, who has been the target of his constant sniping. — AFP.
Online Reporter