Football / Bristol Rovers
Al Qadi family to sell stake in Bristol Rovers to co-owner Hussain Al Saeed
Bristol Rovers co-owner and president Wael Al Qadi says he will remain “a Gashead forever” and see the fans on the terraces as he and his family prepare to sell their stake in the club.
Kuwaiti businessman Hussain Al Saeed will buy all of the shares currently owned by Wael and Samer Al Qadi amounting to 45 per cent of Rovers.
It will take 18 months to complete the acquisition, with a club statement saying that during this time, Al Saeed “will provide all funding to support the club’s ongoing operations and development” with Wael Al Qadi remaining as president until he no longer has any shares.
is needed now More than ever
Rovers’ statement also says “this marks a significant moment in the club’s journey towards long-term growth”.
“The club is going through an exciting period of development, which represents a new chapter for Bristol Rovers Football Club.
“The club is confident that this transition will bring continued progress both on and off the pitch.
“We remain committed to delivering success for our supporters, key stakeholders and the wider community.”
Rovers remain committed to developing the Memorial Stadium after scrapping plans to move to a new stadium in St Philip’s Marsh – photo: Martin Booth
Supporters have reacted with dismay to the news of the change of ownership and in particular to the departure of Wael Al Qadi.
Writing on X, Holmz said: “This makes me sad. Heartfelt gratitude to @waelalqadi and family for all the good times we enjoyed.”
Brionyee called it “a very sad day”. She said: “A really decent guy who has done so much for the club with the club’s best interests always at heart. This is a huge loss and fear this will come apparent over time.”
Ian Maggs added: “I really don’t like this. I have been very critical of Wael over a long period of time but never doubted he had Rovers’ best interests at heart for a minute. I don’t think this ends well.”
Kuwaiti businessman Hussain AlSaeed became chairman of Bristol Rovers in August 2023 – photo: Bristol Rovers
Wael Al Qadi said: “To the Rovers organisation, the Community Trust and all supporters clubs, I am thankful to have had the chance to work with so many devoted people, I will always treasure the love and support from everyone at BS7 and wish everyone there all the best.
“To all of the players, managers and staff, past and present: you sacrificed everything and attacked every challenge bravely and I truly love and appreciate every single one of you.
“We won and we lost together and experienced two legendary epic promotions which will be engraved in the club’s history forever.
“To my dear Gasheads: your passion, commitment and love for this football club is unrivalled in English football.
“Thank you for welcoming me and my family into the club and for all the wonderful memories we created together.
“We experienced many ups and downs together and I know you saw me as being all-in – trying the best for you and the club.
“This is never a goodbye as I am one of you now, a Gashead forever. See you on the terraces!
“And finally, as I walk into the sunset, some very last words from me: ‘Good night Irene.”
Al Saeed said: “I want to personally thank Wael and Samer for their contributions and for helping to ease the transition during this takeover.
“Their support has been invaluable throughout and they will always be a part of the Bristol Rovers family.
“I am excited and proud to lead the club into a bright future, building on top of the strong foundations that have been established.”
Main photo: Bristol Rovers
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