Derby 'off the market' as investment deal collapses

What the report says

Derby County’s proposed takeover by Saudi Arabia government official Turki Alalshikh has collapsed, leaving the Championship club to continue under its current ownership. BBC Sport reported that the deal, which involved Alalshikh’s Lion Sport, had already cleared key steps with the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator before Alalshikh decided not to proceed.

The club said it is now “off the market” and will remain supported by Clowes Developments. In a social media post, Alalshikh thanked those involved but said the regulatory process took too long and that the season had already begun, leaving insufficient time to prepare the team and the wider club for the campaign ahead. He added that he remained open to future discussions.

According to the broadcaster, the investment had been under review since May and the regulator had completed its assessment within the statutory timeframe. The IFR said it had been close to approving the bid before the new season, while noting that owner checks include financial strength, source of wealth and integrity tests.

The proposed deal had also drawn scrutiny from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which raised concerns about sportswashing and Saudi Arabia’s rights record. Alalshikh is a prominent figure in Saudi sports and entertainment and has previously been linked to ownership of clubs in Egypt and Spain.