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Birmingham City’s League One rivals Bristol Rovers have confirmed that chairman Hussain Al Saeed is set to take full control of the club by acquiring the remaining 45 per cent shares from Wael and Samer Al Qadi over the next 18 months. Wael Al Qadi will continue as club president during this transition but plans to step down entirely after the 2025/26 season.
Al Saeed initially secured a majority stake of 55 per cent in the club’s holding company, Dwane Sports, last August, with Wael Al Qadi holding 40.5 per cent and his brother Samer owning 4.5 per cent, reports Bristol Live. Since Wael Al Qadi’s entry into the club in February 2016, when Dwane Sports bought a 92 per cent stake, leading to full ownership by summer 2020, the Al Qadis’ tenure at Rovers will span over ten years once the share transfer is complete.
Rovers are currently 14th in League One, and will head to St Andrew’s to face Blues on December 14. Rovers, managed by Matt Taylor, take on promotion-chasing Mansfield Town on Saturday. The club released a statement, saying: “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to announce that an agreement has been reached for Hussain Al Saeed to acquire all shares (45 per cent) held by Wael and Samer Al Qadi. This marks a significant moment in the club’s journey towards long-term growth.
“The acquisition will be completed over an 18-month period, during which Mr Hussain Al Saeed will provide all funding to support the club’s ongoing operations and development. Mr Wael Al Qadi will remain club President until this time.” “Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to express its gratitude to Wael and Samer Al Qadi for their contributions during their time as shareholders. Their efforts have been integral in helping Bristol Rovers reach its current position and in laying solid foundations for the future.”
Wael Al Qadi said: “To the Rovers Organisation, the Community Trust and all Supporters Clubs, I am thankful to have had the chance to work with so many devoted people, I will always treasure the love and support from everyone at BS7 and wish everyone there all the best. “To all of the players, managers and staff, past and present. You sacrificed everything and attacked every challenge bravely and I truly love and appreciate every single one of you.
“We won and we lost together and experienced two legendary epic promotions which will be engraved in the club’s history forever. To my dear Gasheads: your passion, commitment and love for this football club is unrivalled in English Football. “Thank you for welcoming me and my family into the club and for all the wonderful memories we created together. We experienced many ups and downs together and I know you saw me as being all in – trying the best for you and the Club.
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“This is never a goodbye, as I am one of you now, a Gashead forever… See you on the terraces!” Hussain Al Saeed added: “I want to personally thank Wael and Samer for their contributions and for helping to ease the transition during this takeover. Their support has been invaluable throughout and they will always be a part of the Bristol Rovers family.
“I am excited and proud to lead the club into a bright future, building on top of the strong foundations that have been established. “The club is going through an exciting period of development, which represents a new chapter for Bristol Rovers football club. The club is confident that this transition will bring continued progress both on and off the pitch.
“We remain committed to delivering success for our supporters, key stakeholders, and the wider community.”
