Derby’s Saudi takeover COLLAPSES: Championship club now ‘off the market’ after Turki Alalshikh’s group dramatically pulled out despite Football Regulator and EFL approval

Derby County’s proposed Saudi takeover has collapsed after new investors dramatically pulled the plug, despite winning approval from the Football Regulator and the EFL.

Lion Sport, headed by Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, were on the cusp of completing the takeover before the Championship club announced on Monday that the proposed new ownership has had a change of heart.

The Rams have confirmed they are no longer on the market, with the EFL season kicking off this weekend.

‘The club can confirm discussions with Lion Sport to buy a controlling interest in Derby County will no longer proceed,’ the second-tier outfit said in a statement posted on X. 

‘The purchase process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL, notification of which the club received last week. 

‘However, today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase. 

‘For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments. 

‘Our preparations continue for the new EFL season, beginning against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The club will offer no further comment.’

More to follow.