Derby 'off market' as takeover deal collapses
Saudi Arabia government official Turki Alalshikh abandons his proposed takeover of Championship club Derby County.
The takeover of Derby County by Saudi Arabian government official Turki Alalshikh has been abandoned. The deal, which had been approved by the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator, was set to give Alalshikh a controlling stake in the Championship club. However, Derby County was informed on Monday that Alalshikh no longer wished to proceed with the purchase.
The club now remains off the market and will continue to operate with the support of Clowes Developments. Alalshikh expressed his gratitude to the club's supporters but stated that the lengthy Independent Football Regulator process made it impossible to prepare for the upcoming season. The IFR completed its assessment of Alalshikh in just 55 days, despite the 90-day legal limit.
Despite human rights concerns, the regulator had approved the bid for the 2026-27 season. Alalshikh, who is close to Saudi Arabia's ruler, has faced criticism for his alleged "sportswashing" efforts.
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