Former Chelsea and England defender Ryan Bertrand is leading a consortium proposing an £87 million investment for a minority stake in League One club AFC Wimbledon. The proposal, backed by technology specialist Omar Mir through Sloane Street Capital (SSC), would see the firm acquire a 34 per cent shareholding in AFCW PLC, the organisation that operates the club.
Investment Structure and Financial Details
According to the BBC, SSC would inject £16 million into Wimbledon upon completion of the transaction, with a further £71 million committed across five seasons, running until the end of the 2030/31 campaign. Bertrand, who played for Chelsea, Southampton, and other English clubs before retiring in 2023, would take up a role as senior football advisor, while SSC would oversee the club's football activities.
Despite his involvement in sporting decisions, Bertrand would remain subject to the financial limits and operational procedures established by the AFCW PLC board.
Supporter Control Preserved
The proposed deal is structured to maintain supporter control through The Dons Trust, which currently holds 50.01 per cent of the voting rights. The trust would retain the authority to block changes affecting the freehold of the Cherry Red Records Stadium, and would have the final say on fundamental aspects of the club's identity, including its name, crest, colours, stadium, and constitution.
Under the proposed governance structure, SSC would receive two positions on the club's 12-member board, plus a non-voting observer role. If SSC were to sell its shares, the Dons Trust would have the first option to buy them and could reject unsuitable investors. Failure to meet scheduled payments would freeze SSC's share growth, with control reverting to AFC Wimbledon within three months.
Bertrand and Trust Statements
Bertrand expressed admiration for the club's history and its supporters' role in its development. "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," he said. "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." He added that the board recommends a yes vote, but stressed it is the members' decision.
Wimbledon currently sit 16th in the League One table following a mixed start to the season. The proposal is subject to approval by the club's members.
