Earlier this week we ran a story suggesting that a takeover of Birmingham City was in the offing. This story attracted an unusual level of interest, presumably from Blue fans, although it also appeared in some print media.
Earlier this week we ran a story suggesting that a takeover of Birmingham City was in the offing. This story attracted an unusual level of interest, presumably from Blue fans, although it also appeared in some print media.
Birmingham City’s acting chairman Peter Pannu has dimissed the stories as complete nonsense. So have we offered false hope to Blues fans who have been through a difficult period? After yesterday’s win at Middlesbrough, the club is now mid-table in the Championship, but a reasonable ambition would be a play-off position.
Pannu points out that any sale has to be made through the board of BIHL, Birmingham’s parent company. Carson Yeung owns 26 per cent of BIHL, who in turn control 96 per cent of the club. He cannot therefore agree a sale on his own, but he is in a position of influence.
Talks have been going on for some time and in February an approach was made by a sports management company acting on behalf of a Far Eastern consortium. It is not impossible that such a consortium has talked to Yeung and he has made encouraging noises.
That is pure speculation, of course, but it would presumably be in Yeung’s interest to reach a deal so that he could focus on his upcoming trial on money laundering charges. Proceedings are due to start on April 29, but there could be a further delay as Yeung wants the trial moved from the District Court to the High Court in Hong Kong. Even so, a deal before the end of the season should not be ruled out.