” I think it’s a good investment”, senior Saudi Official ignites Ligue 1 takeover rumours
It’s no secret whatsoever that Saudi Arabia are seeking to further extend their investment, and therefore influence in the world of football. With rivals Qatar calling the shots in the French capital at Paris Saint-Germain, it stands to reason that the Middle Eastern kingdom would take an interest in their Ligue 1 rivals, particularly bitter Le Classique enemies Olympique de Marseille.
Saudi Official Prince Abdullah Saad Abdulaziz Al Saud was in France this week on what is widely reported to be a visit on behalf of the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund responsible for the takeover of Newcastle United in the Premier League. In an interview with French media outlet CARRÉ, the Prince evoked a possible takeover of Marseille or AS Monaco:
” I think it’s a good investment to invest in French football, maybe OM or Monaco. Maybe in the second plan Saudi Arabia will invest, these are good teams, they can fight to be champions”
The Saudi chief went on to further elaborate on the possibility of French legend Zinedine Zidane becoming coach if a takeover were to materialize, although at the moment that possibility would seem remote as current owner Frank McCourt has no designs on putting les Phocéens up for sale. It could be a long waiting game for Saudi Arabia, but they are not known to give up easily.
GFFN | Jack McArdle
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