© EuroFootball.com
Born in Pakistan, US businessman Shahid Khan has acquired the London Fulham team of the English Premier League for a sum of 200 million euros.
The businessman acquired 100% of the club's shares from former owner, Egyptian Mohamed Al Fayed – the Premier League deal has already been approved and permission granted. S. Khan currently owns the American football team Jacksonville Jaguars.
"First and foremost, I want to assure everyone that I consider myself not as the owner of the club, but as a steward and caretaker of the will of all the team's supporters. We will manage the club's finances and operations carefully and diligently. My goal is to ensure that the club and Craven Cottage stadium have a secure financial future in the Premier League, of which all current and new fans can be proud," said S. Khan.
The American became the sixth US citizen to own a Premier League team. Former owner M. Al Fayed bought the club 16 years ago for just about 8 million euros – back then, the team played in the third division of English football.
When changing owners, the club had about 216 million euros in interest-free loans, but the new owner paid off all the debts.
"My time at Fulham had to end someday, and I believe now is the right opportunity. I found a great man who will take over the management responsibility of the club, which I have enjoyed since 1997. The team is now in the hands of successful businessman Shahid, so I ask all those who love this club to accept Shahid properly," said M. Al Fayed addressing the team's fans.
In the last Premier League season, Fulham finished in 12th place. The club first entered the Premier League in 2001, achieving its highest position, seventh, in the 2008–09 season. In 2009–10, the team reached the UEFA Europa League final, but was defeated by Atletico Madrid.
