SPORTSWORLD.AM
American businessman and owner of the New York Jets club Woody Johnson has signed a deal to buy a 43% stake in Crystal Palace from John Textor, the BBC reports.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the deal is valued at around £190 million. The documents have already been signed, but the final completion of the deal still depends on the approval of the Premier League, in particular, on Johnson's verification of the owners and directors. According to available information, a significant advantage of Johnson's offer was his willingness to transfer funds quickly, which played a decisive role against other interested parties.
The deal could affect Crystal Palace's participation in next season's Europa League. The team secured their place in Europe by winning the FA Cup, but UEFA is currently investigating a possible breach of multiple ownership rules. The fact is that John Textor also has a stake in French club Lyon, which also qualified for the Europa League.
The sale of Johnson's stake, which has no other football assets, could eliminate that conflict of interest and allow Pele to keep his place in the tournament. UEFA is due to make a final decision by the end of June.
Johnson, 78, is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom and one of the richest people in the United States, with a fortune of more than 6.8 billion pounds, according to Bloomberg.
It is noted that the club has also attracted interest from other investors from the United States, including a consortium from Florida involving the famous entertainment giant and NBA star Jimmy Butler.