Fernandes West Ham Bid Rejected After Twitter Announcement

A sign of the times or a foolish statement. That was the question being asked yesterday after Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of AirAsia Bhd. (AIRA), announced on social media network Twitter, that he had made an approach to takeover recently relegated English soccer club West Ham United.

The club’s owners were less than impressed by Fernandes’ announcement and have rejected the offer he made, despite David Sullivan and David Gold confirming that dropping out of the Premier League will cost US$65m and players will be sold.

Sullivan said in a statement on the club’s website: “He has announced this on Twitter and people can draw their own conclusions as to the seriousness of it from that. We are not looking to sell the club, but, as we have always said, we would love co-investors to join us in rebuilding West Ham United.”

The rejection and decision was made after Fernandes had Tweeted yesterday, June 1: “For all you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Now we have to respect the process. Let’s see if they accept.”

Fernandes, who is also manager of Formula One’s Team Lotus, has declined to comment on the decision thus far.