AS Roma is an Italian sports club based in the city of Rome, Italy. According to Italian newspapers, the club may have a new owner very soon. The traditional Italian club received approaches from the Middle Eastern country, interested in a purchase. The team is currently part of the North American group Friedkin Group, since 2020.
AS Roma today
The Friedkin Group, led by North American Dan Friedkin, bought the Giallorossi in 2020 for 591 million euros from James Pallotta. A year later, the club hired José Mourinho, who took the team to the final of the Conference League and this season is in the semi-finals of the Europa League. While in the championship it is fighting to get into the Champions League places.
The current owners’ mission was to restore Roma to its rightful place of prominence and also to bring the team closer to its supporters. Unfortunately, this was the only title celebrated during this management, but the club returned to being strong and competitive.
From open safes
The ‘Corriere dello Sport’ reports this Monday in Italy that the Friedkins, current owners of Roma, met with representatives of the Saudi investor group to discuss a possible sale of the club.
The newspaper indicates that there was a meeting between the head of Roma’s legal department and Saudi investors in Riyadh this week. Many topics were discussed, such as the club’s sponsorship contract which is the brand of the Riyadh Season event. However, the conversation would have been more extensive.
Was discussed an amount of 900 million euros. In addition to another 1.6 billion in European currency to build their stadium. Currently, the Olympic Stadium in Rome is owned by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
AS Roma under the eyes of millionaires
Two Saudi groups are interested: the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the private investor Turki Al-Sheikh, former Saudi Minister of Sports and current entertainment authority in the country.
The Public Investment Fund, commanded by the government of Saudi Arabia, made large contributions in 2023. To host the 2034 World Cup – already confirmed as the host country – and gain visibility, the body injected money into the big four of the country (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli).
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Turki Al-Sheikh guarantees itself with its conditions. Saudi advisor to the Royal Court, he is also the current president of the country’s Entertainment Authority. In August 2019, he became the owner of Almería, replacing Alfonso García Gabarrón.