Salford Red Devils takeover twist as Tongan rap star emerges as prime mover
The identity of the person behind the consortium poised to take over Rugby League’s Salford Red Devils is emerging as Australia-based music promoter and sometime rapper Saia Kailahi, an old school friend of Salford’s assistant coach Krisnan Inu.
TheBusinessDesk.com has identified two different businesses seemingly formed for the purpose of acquiring the Red Devils: Stadium Salford Group Limited and Salford RL Group Ltd.
Stadium Salford was set up in July 2023, but dissolved without ever trading in December 2024.
Salford RL Group on the other hand was set up on the 11th of February 2025 by another entity Jabobsen Venture Group Ltd owned, controlled by Lord Isiosaia Kailahi. Minority shareholders are listed as Inu Nevada, based at an address in Salford, and a business consultant Kurt Graver.
The official statement on the proposed takeover made no mention of Kailahi, but instead named Swiss property investor Dario Berta, CEO of Matanel, which it says is “an investment bank that specialises in real estate investment”. The press statement said the deal had been approved by Salford City Council as owners of the stadium.
When the council took over the stadium formerly known as the AJ Bell, but now just known as the Salford Community Stadium, they took full control over the 12,000-seater venue, community pitches, car park, and 27 acres of development land. It maintained that the council hoped to use this land to create a sport and leisure destination that would “attract significant private sector investment.”
This weekend’s first home game of the season against Leeds Rhinos will feature an appearance by Salford band Happy Mondays, who will be performing some of their hit songs from the past four and a half decades before kick-off and at half-time.
TheBusinessDesk.com has put several questions to the club, and to Salford City Council, as to why the Swiss real estate investor was named instead, and whether the the identities of all of the investors have been made known to the Rugby Football League. The questions have been acknowledged by both parties, but not answered.
The most crucial one is the role of Tongan born Kailahi, also known as Big Sire, and reported to be related to New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu.
Yesterday on social media well-connected Red Devils fan Nathan Youd, a cousin of Salford City Councillor Jack Youd, said: “Inu had an important role in saving us. His mates are the new owners. How and why they are linked with a Swiss investment banker I do not know. I heard they all have plans to sweat the stadium and land as an asset. Concerts etc. I’m sure it will make sense tomorrow.”
The club further claimed the deal has been approved by the Community Benefit Society (CBS) as well as by Salford City Council, which owns the Salford Community Stadium.
The most important body required to approve the takeover however will be governing body the Rugby Football League (RFL).
However, Salford could be in bother with the League after the fielded a weakened team against St Helens on Saturday, losing 82-0. Salford are under salary cap restrictions caused by the ongoing uncertainty over the ownership and the team was made up of reserves and youngsters.
