Former England defender Ryan Bertrand is spearheading a consortium proposing an £87 million minority investment in League One club AFC Wimbledon. The plan, funded by British technology expert Omar Mir through investment vehicle Sloane Street Capital (SSC), was presented to members of the supporter-owned Dons Trust on Wednesday night.
Details of the Proposed Investment
Under the proposal, Sloane Street Capital would acquire a 34% minority stake in AFCW PLC, the entity managing the club, for an initial £16 million upon completion. An additional £71 million would be injected across five seasons, extending through the 2030-31 campaign.
If members approve the deal, SSC would take charge of football operations, with Bertrand serving as senior football advisor while working within budgets approved by the AFCW PLC board. Bertrand, who won the Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League with Chelsea, stated to BBC Sport that the group intends to support the men’s, women’s, and academy teams without altering the club’s identity.
“AFC Wimbledon’s story is unique in English football and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings,” Bertrand said, adding that his group hopes to assist the club both on and off the pitch.
Protections for Fan Control
The structure ensures the Dons Trust maintains its 50.01% voting majority to safeguard fan ownership. The Trust would retain explicit veto rights over any changes to the club’s name, badge, colors, ground, and constitution, as well as the freehold of the Cherry Red Records Stadium at Plough Lane.
Under the agreement, SSC would receive two seats on the 12-member club board plus an observer position. Cheyne Capital co-founder Stuart Fiertz and sports executive Oliver Ward would join the board if the transaction is ratified.
The agreement also incorporates strict financial safeguards. If SSC misses a scheduled payment, equity growth freezes immediately, and operational control reverts to the club within three months. Additionally, the Trust retains first refusal and veto rights over potential buyers should SSC decide to sell its stake later.
Dons Trust members will vote on the proposal through November 17, following source-of-funds and background checks conducted by the club’s legal team. Trust chair Angus Fox confirmed the board recommends a “yes” vote, while emphasizing that the final decision remains entirely with the club’s member-owners.
Source: BBC Sport
