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More stringency at EFL affects Charlton takeover

The takeover of South-East London club Charlton Athletic appears to be on track after concerns were raised by the EFL about the Abu Dhabi consortium's links to Manchester City. Assurances have been given that the takeover is being funded from private funds and it is not a backdoor takeover by global football business City Football Group: Addicks takeover

The collapse of Bury has put increasing pressure on the EFL to ensure that its tests are stringent. The EFL's conduct was criticised by a House of Commons committee. Fans have called for tougher tests, but the downside is that some much needed takeovers may fail as a result.

The role of the Gulf States in football is a very interesting topic as we enter the 3rd decade of the century. It is in large part an exercise of 'soft' power. China has also seen its potential, as recent events involving Arsenal have shown, and Chinese interests have taken a stake in City Football Group which is the first really global football business.

Charlton will be thus be potentially joining the movers and shakers of global football, something that not every fan will like but probably unavoidable if the club is to succeed. Charlton fans think that the club has been weakened by controversial Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet, even if his policies have become less eccentric over time.

Duchatelet believed that financial fair play (FFP) would bring about a level playing field that would enable clubs to break even. In fact Championship clubs are spending and losing more than ever. Some of the mechanisms they have used to evade FFP, such as buying back stadiums, are the subject of action by the EFL.

Agenda Publishing will be bringing out Kieran Maguire's book on these topics next month and my own book is due for submission in July.

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