CEO of AirAsia interested in investing in the club
CEO of AirAsia Tony Fernandes claimed on Monday that he has held talks with members of the West Ham board about possible investment into the east London club.
Fernandes wanted to buy the club when it was made available last year, but lost out to current owners David Gold and David Sullivan.
The 47-year-old, who Forbes Asia say is worth $330million, is a West Ham fan and through his twitter page announced that he had spoken to both Karren Brady and David Gold.
“If the fans want me to get involved I will. It’s a great club and we fans have suffered to long. Discussions have taken place. Long way to go but a good frank start,” he said yesterday, before posting this morning (Wednesday).
“All Hammers fans told you as much as I can. Have to go on radio silence now out of respect to the owners. I know what I need. Let’s see if we can do it. From dark days come lots of postive. Has happened to many many times. Love to all Hammers.”
When Gold and Sullivan purchased West Ham they encouraged others to invest and appealed to the likes Fernandes to get involved.
“We have bought 50% and I have an option to buy the other 50%. If they (wealthy fans) want to get involved with West Ham they will be very welcome,” Sullivan said.
“Anyone who wants to put in �10m or �15m can buy 10 or 15% of the club and come along and join us.
“We will be approaching Tony (Fernandes) in the hope that he will join us in a kind of national unity purchase of West Ham. We will welcome other investors.”
It seems he was not interested at the time, but with the club relegated to the Championship and set to lose �40m the help from the likes of the Malaysian will be needed more than ever.
After losing out in the battle to buy the east London club, Fernandes focused his efforts on the Lotus Formula One team and became Team principle of the organisation.
He continues to plough money into Lotus and in April of this year purchased Caterham Cars, a manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars.
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