Leeds United shareholder not looking to takeover the club
An investment firm affiliated with American football team San Francisco 49ers have no interest or plans to take over Leeds United, according to its vice president of football operations.
49ers Enterprises, which became a minority investor in Leeds United in May, partnered with existing majority shareholder and Leeds United Club chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
At the time, Leeds United said the partnership with 49ers Enterprises strengthened the commercial, operational and sporting capabilities of the club.
Marathe, the vice president of football operations at San Francisco 49ers, spoke to the BBC about the shareholding.
“The past has been chequered with examples of foreign owners or investors coming in, not being involved or having an interest but doing it ‘just because’, or coming over and trying to take everything over,” Marathe told BBC Radio Leeds.
“We don’t have intentions for either one of those, we’re just trying to help Andrea [Radrizzani], Angus [Kinnear – managing director], Victor [Orta – director of football] and coach Marcelo [Bielsa], getting everyone on the same page to help them get promoted.
“This isn’t a casual hands-off, nor trying to take over – we’re offering assistance.”
For the last 18 years, Marathe has served in a number of strategic leadership roles for the 49ers, developing a significant track record in contract management and negotiations along with extensive involvement in the logistical and operational side of running a global sports organisation.
