Indian tycoon in race for UK football club

An Indian business tycoon based in Bahrain is attempting to take control of English Premier League (EPL) club Blackburn Rovers, promising its manager £100 million to spend on players if his £300-million offer for the club was accepted.

Ahsan Ali Syed’s representatives opened talks with the Ewood Park Club yesterday and the 36-year-old was reported to have made a promise of a huge transfer budget.

“I want to give financial support to Blackburn Rovers manager, Allardyce, so that he can perform wonders,” Syed said.

Ali claims to have followed Blackburn for 10 years. His 15-year business plan for the club involves a £300 million investment in players, stadium, training facilities and the youth academy.

Ali, whose family wealth can be traced to the East India Company, believes he is in a pole position. “The negotiations have been straight and there are no complications. I do not see any obstacles,” he told The Times.

The Indian is the heir to a £5 billion fortune and Ali said he wanted to buy Blackburn because of his “passion” for the club and did not merely seek to make a quick return on his investment. “For me, the investment in Blackburn is more of a passion than a way to make a quick return on the balance sheet,” he said.

Ali admitted he was yet to contact the Premier League about his potential takeover, but said, “My proof of funds is quite evident. I am not acquiring this on hire purchase. I have sufficient liquidity to buy the club.”