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Nottingham Forest takeover: Evangelos Marinakis buys club following EFL approval
EVANGELOS MARINAKIS has bought Nottingham Forest after his takeover was passed by the English Football League (EFL) on Thursday.
Evangelos Marinakis has completed a takeover of Nottingham Forest
Marinakis, a Greek shipping magnate and owner of Olympiakos, is facing accusations of match-fixing in Greece but has passed the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test.
The buyout sees Fawaz al-Hasawi’s five-year tenure come to an end.
Despite the allegations of match-fixing in his homeland the EFL consulted UEFA for their views on Marianakis' ownership of Olympiakos and received positive feedback ahead of approving his £50m takeover.
Mark Warburton, who helped Nottingham Forest survive in the Championship with a win on the final day of the season, has been given the full backing of Marinakis already.
Mark Warburton, who helped Nottingham Forest survive in the Championship with a win on the final day of the season, has been given the full backing of Marinakis already.
Marinakis’ manifesto, as detailed in an interview with the BBC, includes:
- To return "stability" to a club with "huge potential" which "belongs to the elite of the Premier League"
- Will not make rash pledges, saying "I never give promises - I deliver"
- Backs Mark Warburton and says he will work within EFL financial rules to support him in the transfer market
- Will create a 'fans advisory body' and 'youth council' with a representative attending board meetings
- Promises ticket price reductions to reward fan loyalty
Fawaz al-Hasawi's five-year reign has come to an end
In regards to the match-fixing allegations, Marinakis said that allegations he is involved in a “criminal organisation” were invented by “jealous” opponents to “destroy” his success with the Greek champions.
“I have nothing to be afraid of and to worry about as I have done nothing wrong,” he said.
“All these years, a lot has been said but nothing came out in reality. All of it has been dismissed and we have been clear from all of this.
“Now there is a last case remaining - there are about 80 persons involved. I can tell you again that I have nothing to do with it because I know very well what I have done and how I have achieved victories. Of course I cannot stop our opponents talking or bad-mouthing.”