Leeds United chief Radrizzani has powerful ally as European Club Association appoint Al-Khelaifi as chairman
Speculation surrounding a potential takeover at Leeds United has died down in recent months after Andrea Radrizzani secured fresh investment from the 49ers in January.
Paraag Marathe became the vice-chairman of the Whites after they increased their stake in the Yorkshire club and that all but killed speculation about QSI taking over at Elland Road.
Just over a year ago, 90min reported that Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners QSI were in talks with Radrizanni about a takeover and that an agreement was close.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi controls QSI and Radrizzani confirmed later on that while there was nothing in the rumours of a takeover, he does have a “great relationship on a personal level” with Al-Khelaifi [YEP].
While Al-Khelaifi doesn’t seem to be involved in any potential takeover at Leeds, he has bagged himself one of the most powerful jobs in football by becoming the new chairman of the European Club Association (ECA).
It doesn’t hurt to have friends in high places and Radrizzani now has exactly that in billionaire Al-Khelaifi, who’s worth £5.7billion [Goal].
What does the ECA do exactly? And how can that help Leeds?
According to The Athletic, the ECA “represents the interests of professional clubs under UEFA’s remit”. On Sunday, the 12 European Super League clubs left the organisation and Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli was chairman before he stepped down.
With Marcelo Bielsa getting his players to perform like top Premier League players off the pitch and Radrizzani making huge connections off it, Leeds are really becoming a force that needs to be reckoned with.
And, who knows? A spot in European football next season may still be up for grabs if the six ESL clubs are booted out of competitions by UEFA.
It’s all looking very good for Leeds right now.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites ace has been blasted for his performance against Liverpool.