Gymshark CEO denies takeover of football club

Gymshark CEO Ben Francis has put to rest rumours that he was set to become the new owner of Reading FC.

Fans’ frustration is growing with owner Dai Yongge, who has been fined by the English Football League (EFL) for failing to meet financial obligations.

Reading has fallen from the Premier League to League One over the last seven years and have been hit with 16 point deductions in the last two.

CEO Dayong Pang has called for patience as the club looks for new buyers following two unsuccessful deals, but fans are protesting against Yongge and even stormed the pitch at Reading’s game against Port Vale earlier this month, causing the match to be abandoned.

It was reported that Francis was looking at becoming the sole owner of the club, but he’s denied the claims due to his commitment to Gymshark and to Aston Villa.

“I’m sorry but this isn’t true,” Francis said on X.

“I’m a Villa fan through and through and wouldn’t have an involvement with any other club. Plus I’m far too busy at Gymshark! All the best I hope you can get everything sorted.”