Brighton Owner Buys Into A-League Club
The owner of a Premier League club, who already has investments in other soccer teams, has now bought a share in Melbourne Victory, an Australian A-League team. Tony Bloom, who owns Brighton & Hove Albion, is now a minority shareholder in the club, having purchased a 19.1% stake. He might increase his investment later. The announcement was made on Melbourne Victory’s website Thursday afternoon. Brighton Owner Invests in A-League Club.
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Tony Bloom’s Soccer Influence
Bloom has owned Brighton & Hove Albion since 2009 and was key in getting the club promoted to the Premier League in 2017. With him in charge, Brighton has become a solid top-flight team, even making it to the Europa League and an FA Cup semi-final. Right now, they’re sixth in the Premier League, which shows how much they’ve improved under his leadership.
Besides Brighton, Bloom has also invested in Union Saint-Gilloise, a Belgian team. They have enjoyed success in European competitions with his help. Investing in Melbourne Victory is just another step in him going global in soccer. Brighton Owner Invests in A-League Club.
People Are Excited About Bloom’s Investment
John Dovaston, the chairman of Melbourne Victory, is happy to have Bloom on board, saying he’s an expert in running a soccer team.
“We are really happy to bring someone of Tony’s quality not only into Melbourne Victory but into the A-League,” Dovaston said. “Tony’s wide experience in soccer is well known. Brighton & Hove Albion is seen as one of the best-run teams in the Premier League.”
Bloom also said he’s excited to invest in the A-League club. He has a personal connection to Australia because his wife is Australian.
“As someone who loves soccer, I am thrilled to have the chance to become a shareholder in Melbourne Victory, one of the most successful clubs in A-League history,” Bloom said. “I’m investing because I believe in the club’s plan and its leaders. I see a lot of chance for growth and success, both on and off the field.” Brighton Owner Invests in A-League Club.
More Premier League Owners in the A-League
With this move, Bloom is now the third Premier League club owner to invest in an A-League team. Manchester City’s parent company, City Football Group, is already involved in the league. Also, Bill Foley, who owns Bournemouth, recently bought Auckland FC, the newest team in the competition.
Bloom now owns a good chunk of Melbourne Victory, but the club has said that he won’t be directly involved in running the team right away. Instead, they want to use his big network in European soccer to help grow and improve the club over time.
What’s Next for Melbourne Victory with Bloom?
Caroline Carnegie, Melbourne Victory’s managing director, said that Bloom’s investment will be good for the club because of his connections in the soccer world.
“Tony’s investment is 19.1%, so he’s a minority, but still important, shareholder,” Carnegie told ESPN. “He will have a say in the club but won’t be in control. With him involved, we can talk to a lot of people and groups in soccer around the world who can help us grow and reach our goals when it makes sense.”
Right now, Melbourne Victory’s men’s team is fourth in the A-League, and their women’s team is second, just behind their rivals Melbourne City. With Bloom’s support, the club hopes to keep building and do even better in the future.
