Usmanov defends foreign owners

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has defended foreign shareholders in an interview with the BBC. He said that their investments contributed to a crucial part of the entertainment industry in Britain.

He also said that he was happy with the way that Arsenal had started the season, but would not hesitate to offer criticism if he thought it was necessary.

Despite his shareholding, Usmanov is not a member of the Arsenal board and clearly the club thinks it is better to have him outside the tent than inside.

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has defended foreign shareholders in an interview with the BBC. He said that their investments contributed to a crucial part of the entertainment industry in Britain.

He also said that he was happy with the way that Arsenal had started the season, but would not hesitate to offer criticism if he thought it was necessary.

Despite his shareholding, Usmanov is not a member of the Arsenal board and clearly the club thinks it is better to have him outside the tent than inside.

This article by the BBC Sports Editor suggests that Usmanov’s relationship with the Arsenal board is thawing.   It also poses the question: why doens’t Usmanov make Kroenke an offer he can’t refuse?  The answer appears to be that Usmanov is not prepared to overpay, so for now the stalemate continues.