Former Chelsea and England defender Ryan Bertrand is fronting a consortium that has tabled an £87million minority investment proposal for AFC Wimbledon.
Bertrand leads the group alongside British technology expert Omar Mir, who is the sole funder of the proposed minority share buyout through investment vehicle Sloane Street Capital (SSC).
Fan ownership preserved
AFC Wimbledon have been fan-owned since their formation in 2002 as a phoenix club, following the relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes.
The Dons Trust retains a controlling stake, owning 50.01 per cent of the voting shares. The club's board presented the consortium's proposals to its members on Wednesday night.
Under the terms of the deal, the Dons Trust's voting rights would remain unaffected. The Trust would also hold veto control over the Cherry Red Records Stadium freehold, while SSC would take two of the 12 seats on the club's board. The Trust would additionally retain a veto over the club's name, badge, colours, ground and constitution.
Member vote scheduled
Dons Trust members have until November 17 to vote on the proposal, which is one of 20 proposals received since members voted earlier this year in favour of external investment, on the condition that the club remained fan-owned and controlled.
Bertrand said: "AFC Wimbledon's story is unique in English football and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings."
"We are not here to change what this club is. We are here to help it go further on and off the pitch, for the men's team, the women's team and the academy."
Angus Fox, chair of the Dons Trust board, said: "The deal brings at least £87m into AFC Wimbledon over five years, while the Trust keeps a permanent majority of the votes, control of the Plough Lane freehold and a veto over everything that makes us who we are."
Fox added: "The board recommends a yes vote, but this is our members' club and our members' decision."
