Finn Harps members to vote on proposed takeover

Finn Harps, one of the last fan-owned clubs in the League of Ireland, is set to vote on a proposed multi-million euro takeover from Alfredo Freddy Razon Gonzalez. Based in Ballybofey, Donegal, the club currently sits at the bottom of the SSE Airtricity First Division. With over 2,179 members, the club's co-operative society struggles to sustain itself, as it faces Revenue arrears, operational creditors, and a budget gap of approximately €400,000 to compete in the Premier Division.

The club's board has ruled out voluntary efforts, stating that fundraising alone cannot close the €1.6 million shortfall for a four-stand stadium at Railway Road.

The proposed takeover by Razon Gonzalez would commit up to €500,000 annually for staff and squad costs, along with €1.6 million in stadium financing for the ongoing Donegal Community Stadium project. In a recent meeting with shareholders, club chairman Ian Harkin reported overwhelmingly positive feedback on the takeover proposal.

Harkin emphasized that the club's challenges stem from rising standards and costs across the League of Ireland, with the current member base of more than 2,000 still short of the required six to eight thousand for sustainability.

Razon Gonzalez, a former professional footballer and co-founder of fashion distribution and retail company Terry SA Inc., expressed his commitment to professionalizing Finn Harps, improving facilities, and bringing the club to European qualification and competition. He believes that the club has the potential to become one of the best in Ireland, citing Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians as success stories.