Northampton announce EFL and IFR approval for consortium to invest in club

Northampton Town have announced they have received approval from the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) for a group to buy a stake and invest in the club.

Investment group Sports Alpha Capital are set to buy an as-yet undisclosed stake in the League 2 club, which Northampton confirming the approval earlier today (04/09).

The Cobblers had first disclosed they had been in talks with investors, since identified as Sports Alpha Capital, for an investment opportunity in the club in April.

Sports Alpha Capital are identified as a group of British and Brazilian investors, who had previously attempted to buy the Cobblers’ fellow League 2 side Colchester United only for the deal to fall through earlier this year. A noteworthy investor in the group is Alexander Pato, who is a former Brazilian international footballer that played club football with AC Milan and Chelsea.

In a lengthy statement posted on the club’s website, Northampton Town Chairman Kelvin Thomas said it was a lengthy process as one of the first football clubs to be subject to new processes involving the IFR for a takeover.

He said, “As one of the first football clubs to be considered under the new regulatory framework, the proposed investors have been required to successfully navigate both the EFL clearance and IFR approval processes.

“This has been a detailed and rigorous process, involving significant scrutiny of the proposed investment, the ownership structure, financial sustainability, and the suitability and financial standing of those involved.

“The successful completion of both the IFR and EFL processes represents an important milestone for the club and should provide supporters and stakeholders with further confidence in the proposed investment and the foundations being put in place for the club’s future.

“We would like to thank both the EFL and the IFR for their professionalism, diligence and thoroughness throughout their respective processes.”

Speaking in further detail, Thomas said he felt Sports Alpha Capital represented a good choice to help to grow the club.

He said, “During this time, we have also enjoyed getting to know the investors and principals behind Sports Alpha Capital and are excited about what they can bring to Northampton Town.

“As supporters will see from their varied backgrounds, there is a genuine passion for football within the group. A number of the investors have already visited Northampton, spent time at the club and attended matches.

“They will bring a strong blend of football, corporate and financial expertise to the club and with significant Brazilian representation within the group we also hope they might bring a little Brazilian excitement and flair with them.

“Now the regulatory processes have been completed we move towards completing the remaining documentation and finalising the investment. Full details regarding the investment, structure and the principal investors involved will be announced upon completion.

“We thank the fans for their patience, but it is reassuring that these in-depth processes are in place for football.”