NOTTINGHAM FOREST SOLD TO MARINAKIS

EvangelosMarinakis who is from Greece is the new owner of Nottingham Forest after the English Football League (EFL) approved of the deal.

The business magnate is facing allegations of match fixing in his native but he has been cleared by the directors of the club and the EFL to go ahead with the deal.

Marinakis has now ended the five year reign of Fawaz Al Hasawi. A United States consortium was expected to complete the deal earlier this year but the bid fell through.

Speaking to BBC, the new owner said the allegations he is battling in his home country that he is involved in a “criminal organization” were false and that they are spread by “jealous” opponents who want to destroy his legacy in Greece.

Marinakis was alleged to be involved in the bombing of a referee bakery but he claimed innocence. He adds that he has not faced any charges for all of the allegations. He is in partnership with fellow Greek Socrates Kominakis.

The EFL approved of the deal after reviewing his business plan and passing various tests. There was no basis to disqualify him. They reached out to the regional body UEFA and he was cleared again.

Forest only recently escaped relegation by a whisper on the final day of the season. They had a superior goals’ difference that kept them in the second tier.

Marinakis has confirmed that manager Mark Warburton would continue in his role. There were rumours that there could be a change with the new owners but Marinakis wants the coach to stay on. The Greek promised to help the club regain stability, support the coach in accordance with the EFL financial rules and reward fan loyalty.

Fawaz promised much but he failed to deliver. There were fans’ protest as they disagreed with him and it almost sunk the club. There is a sense of optimism with Marinakis but they remain cautious.