Nottingham Forest have confirmed that talks over a proposed takeover of the club by US investors have collapsed, with the club’s chairman and current owner, Fawaz Al Hasawi, revealing that “such a deal as it stands is not in the interests of the long-term future of our club”.
An American consortium led by John Jay Moores and Charles Noell had been in discussions to finalise a £50m deal with Hasawi, who made the announcement on Friday night that talks had “come to an end”.
“It is with great regret and disappointment that the club announces today that, despite much speculation in the media, all negotiations in regard to a partial sale of the club to US owners have come to an end,” said Hasawi.
“We feel strongly that we have acted in good faith on behalf of the club and its fans and that such a deal as it stands is not in the interests of the long-term future of our club. Thank you for your continued support at this difficult time for the club.”
Hasawi bought Nottingham Forest in 2012 with high hopes of promotion to the Premier League. However, the club have stagnated and currently lie in 20th place in the Championship, just two points above the relegation zone. The club’s manager, Philippe Montanier, was appointed in the summer and is the eighth different head coach to serve under Hasawi’s tenure.
