Dozy Mmobuosi, a Nigerian computer entrepreneur, has “laid a deposit” to acquire Sheffield United. If successful, he would become the sole majority Black owner of England’s top two professional leagues.
Sheffield United is now in second place in the Championship league and is headed for promotion to the Premier League, which is home to some of the wealthiest teams in the world.
Mmobuosi, the CEO and founder of Tingo Inc. and Tingo International Holdings Inc., said in an exclusive interview with CNN earlier this week that he will be financing the acquisition on his own and that he has already put money down to demonstrate how serious he is about purchasing the club.
It belongs to me. In fact, I’ve put a deposit,” Mmobuosi admitted in the London interview.
In his words, “I would expect myself and the club to publish a joint statement you know that would have details concerning how much, but I have put a deposit and it demonstrates my seriousness for a start.”
“It’s long term for me… I think we’ll make it to the Premiership and stay there,” the Nigerian billionaire said.
Mmobuosi claims that he started talking to Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the club’s owner, at the “end of November, early December” and is currently awaiting the conclusion of the English Football League’s (EFL) owners’ and directors’ exam.
I presented a thorough proposal to the EFL and, of course, the club, Mmobuosi added.
“And I’m collaborating closely with the club to get the process further. Because of this, I won’t say too much about the permission; instead, we’ll leave it in the capable hands of the EFL, he said. Regarding Mmobuosi’s acquisition proposal, Sheffield United and the EFL both declined to comment.
The Athletic reported that there was no proof that one of Mmobuosi’s businesses, Tingo Airlines, had ever taken a flight, and the website didn’t seem to exist. Mmobuosi responded to these allegations.
Mmobuosi yelled, “I’ve got to laugh.” I told my wife, “Look, I think it’s about time I started getting things together to start this aviation idea I have always had, just before Covid.
“We began the process of incorporating the business initially, followed by feasibility studies and employee recruitment. However, Covid occurred, and as a businessperson you make plans, implement them, and then you try to lease an airplane, they start to delay.
“So when Covid arrived, I said to myself, “Look, I’m having trouble. It became impossible once I consulted with consultants.
In a statement that was made public on Tuesday, he said, “I addressed that we have since begun the process of dissolving the firm, dissolving the organization we created here since it’s really not of use to us anymore.”
Although Mmobuosi has been quiet about his plans for the team, he did indicate that there would be fan representation on the board.
Because the football team is for the fans, he replied, “Yes, the fans will be involved.” “I’m going to own it with them as an investor and a co-owner.”
Mmobuosi declares that he would seek for the best candidates to lead the club and produce results, but diversity would be a crucial tenet for him.
According to CNN analysis, Mmobuosi would become only the second African owner and the first Black majority owner now in England’s top two professional soccer leagues, which include 44 clubs spread out throughout the entire nation.
LeBron James and actor Michael B. Jordan are both minor owners of the Premier League’s Bournemouth and Liverpool, respectively. Egyptian Nassef Sawiris serves as co-chair and partial owner of Aston Villa.
I respect diversity. It is not a Black thing, then. It is not an African phenomenon. You know, we have to take into account all races. The best individual for the position, though, is more crucial, Mmobuosi remarked.
But there will be, perhaps for the first time, a good amount of diversity introduced, he continued. I am aware that I am carrying out this action on behalf of my continent, and I will not fail it.
