Football: Saudi Takeover of Derby County FC
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported, on 10 August 2026, that the proposed takeover of Derby County FC, the English Football League (EFL) Championship football club, by the Saudi Arabia government official, Turki Alalshikh of Lion Sport, is off.
Having been approved by the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), the proposed takeover was regarded as a ‘done deal’!
On social media, Alalshikh stated:
"We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respect the importance of that."
And added:
"But unfortunately, with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead. After careful consideration, we don't feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future."
Although this proposed takeover is not dead, it will be interesting to see if and when it is revived!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
