Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh could soon invest in Derby County. Talks have been held between the entrepreneur and club officials, and the government's Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is now exploring whether such a deal would be permitted.
Alalshikh is known to most for turning Saudi Arabia into a major destination for elite boxing bouts. He chairs the General Entertainment Authority within the Saudi government, and checks will be carried out to ensure there would be no problems caused by the fact that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund owns Premier League club Newcastle United.
The 44-year-old has previously been linked with Millwall and Bristol City. Derby, the English Football League (EFL) and the IFR all declined to comment.
Discussions have already taken place between Alalshikh and Derby owner David Clowes. Should the IFR give the green light, those talks can progress further.
Clowes brought Derby out of administration in 2022, spending £55 million in the process. He is known to be seeking external investment and, according to the Daily Telegraph, is open to selling up to 80 per cent of the club.
Derby's season and Alalshikh's history
Alalshikh has previously owned clubs in Egypt and Spain. Derby, managed by John Eustace, finished eighth in the Championship this season, four points short of the play-offs. Any investment would be aimed at pushing them into the Premier League.
The IFR's owners and directors test went live earlier this month, and Alalshikh would be subject to its various checks.
