Saudi Arabia government official Turki Alalshikh is poised to complete an investment deal with English Championship club Derby County, with approval anticipated in the coming days following final regulatory checks. Alalshikh, co-founder of boxing promotion company Zuffa and chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has had a proposed stake purchase under review by English football’s independent regulator since May.
The investment proposal has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which characterized the regulatory decision as a “defining test.” Alalshikh has faced criticism from advocacy groups regarding allegations of ‘sportswashing,’ a practice where countries use sports investments to enhance their international image while deflecting attention from domestic human rights concerns. Saudi Arabia has been accused of employing this strategy to offset external focus on its judicial practices, gender equality issues, and LGBTQ+ policies.
Alalshikh previously held stakes in international football clubs, owning Egyptian side Pyramids between 2018 and 2019 and more recently acquiring Spanish club Almeria before selling it to a Saudi Arabian investment group. The proposed Derby County investment would mark his entry into English football, following a stated long-term interest in the market.
Derby owner David Clowes indicated willingness to accept investment exceeding 80% stake, contingent upon a partner capable of accelerating the club’s advancement toward the Premier League. The timing of finalization could prove significant, as it would leave approximately three weeks remaining in the transfer window for the club to strengthen its squad. Derby finished eighth in the Championship during the previous season and continues recruitment efforts ahead of upcoming fixtures.
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