Middle East's ownership in European football
Football

Middle East's ownership in European football

By Susie East

Published 1319 GMT (2119 HKT) January 12, 2015
Share
football invest 3football invest 3
1 of 7
Crowned Premier League Champions for the second time in three years, the club has gone from success to success. Bolstered by incredible on-pitch performances, significant investments in the club have made a huge difference. In 2008 a 90% share in Manchester City went for $330 million to Abu Dhabi Holdings from the United Arab Emirates, according to this report. Michael Regan/Getty Images
It's not just English clubs that Middle Eastern businessmen are pouring their money into, with many European clubs catching their attention. Paris Saint-Germain won the French title in 2013 and 2014. Qatar Sports Investments bought an 100% stake in PSG in 2011 for $130 million. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Image
A Qatari investor also owns Malaga CF in Spain, with Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani paying $30.45 million in 2010. Qatar and UAE are leading the region in the push to invest in European football clubs. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Image
Middle Eastern money has also invested heavily in English clubs. The company Red and White Holdings, which includes Iranian funds, bought up 29% of Arsenal for $250 million in 2007. Julian Finney/Getty Image
A company from Bahrain purchased 100% of second-tier Leeds United back in 2012 for $84 million. Paul Thomas/Getty Image
Nottingham Forrest is another club that is 100% owned by a Middle Eastern businessman, this time by Fawaz Al-Hasawi from Kuwait. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Germany's 1860 Munchen is part-owned by Hasan Ismaik from Jordan, who paid $25 million for 49% of the club in 2011, according to Repucom's report. Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Image