Russell Crowe rules out Leeds United purchase
ACTOR Russell Crowe has ruled himself out of a possible takeover of Leeds United.
It was speculated earlier this year that he would invest in the football team, after admitting he was “impatient” with the club.
He asked his 1.7m followers in February if it was a “good idea” to buy Leeds United, and in separate messages to @LeedsFansLLP, a group supporting fan ownership of the club, discussed a takeover, citing his experience as owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Academy Award-winner Mr Crowe is a life-long Leeds United fan, but cited wanting to spend for time with his children as a factor in his decision not to enter into the running for ownership of the club.
Mr Crowe wrote that there was potential in the sale, and described it as a “massive opportunity” but said, at 51, the time-cost of taking over Leeds United would be too great.
In a series of tweets the actor wrote: “I look at the Mighty Leeds opportunity and I evaluate it through the time stolen …from my kids. Economics tell the folks in my organisation we could smash this, but, I know the personal toll it takes, and I know …without my actual hands on the wheel in Leeds I can’t guarantee investors a return.
“I’ve loved Leeds all my life. I will always.I will not though steal anymore time from my children. It’s that simple. think about this…there’s a hundred thousand who will match on together at least, stand up Leeds … Stand and be counted.”
Current owner Massimo Cellino was handed a ban from running the club by the Football League over a tax dispute in Sardinia, but returned to the club in May after passing the League’s “fit and proper persons” test.
In April Mr Cellino, while having no involvement in the running of the club, announced Red Bull had made an offer for the club but that was denied by the drinks giant.
