Marwan Koukash Takesover Salford City Reds
January 31, 2013
Rugby Super League team Salford City Reds have been taken over by millionaire racehorse owner Marwan Koukash, ending months of speculation.
Koukash, a former Palestinian refugee acquired the club from John Wilkinson who has been approached by Koukash to be the club’s life President.
Koukash said: It gives me great pleasure to confirm that my purchase of Salford City Reds has now been completed ahead of the start of the 2013 Super League season.
“”It has been a difficult and sometimes very fraught process and I can understand why some of our fans have been frustrated. I would like to place on record my thanks to John Wilkinson, Salford City Council and Peel Holdings for their co-operation in the last few months. Without them, we wouldn’t all be where we are today.”
Wilkinson had previously kept the club afloat for over 30 years with his own personal finance and Koukash’s takeover comes four days before the club are due in court to face a winding-up petition.
The new owner also commented on the future of the club: “This is a very exciting day for Salford City Reds and a momentous day for rugby league. No other club in the sport has the potential of Salford City Reds and I give a firm commitment to do all I can to help realise that potential.
“It will not happen overnight and I urge our fans to be patient as we set out on an amazing journey. My message is that the hard work starts now.”
Koukash also owns EuroMaTech, the global executive training company.