Forest takeover deal under investigation
The sale of Nottingham Forest could be in danger after it emerged over the weekend that The Football League is investigating the potential takeover.
Current owner and chairman of the club, Fawaz al-Hasawi, a Kuwaiti businessman, has been in talks with banned businessman Evangelos Marinakis who also owns Olympiakos in Greece.
According to reports, a 173-report by a Greek prosecutor last April alleged that Marinakis tried “to absolutely control Greek football’s fate by the methods of blackmailing and fraud.”
The report goes on to say that Marinakis remains charged with five criminal offences, which include being involved in blowing up a bakery owned by a referee. However, he is set to be cleared of any wrongdoing in a match-fixing case in a verdict due over the next few days.
Marinakis remains banned from being involved in any football administration in Greece.
He as paid a €200,00 bail and was banned from taking an active role in Olympiakos or Greek football but, if al-Hasawi has his way, could be taking over as the majority shareholder of Nottingham Forest.
A spokesman for Forest said: “The club will not be providing an official response on any potential individuals who may be investing in the club. However, the club can assure all supporters that any potential investment will be carried out with the full approval from all relevant governing bodies required, to ensure the best outcome for Nottingham Forest Football Club.”
