Leeds United ‘linked’ to trillionaire group via Atletico stake | OneFootball

City AM reports that IDC Sports and Entertainment has taken a stake in Atletico Madrid, highlighting the investment web around Leeds United under 49ers Enterprises.

According to GRV’s Football Finances expert Adam Williams, this is not Leeds joining a classic multi-club model but part of a broader, more complex network. He says 49ers Enterprises operates much like a private equity firm, with many indirect investors and at least three known multi-club links involving Atletico and Deportivo Cali, the Red Bull network, and Rangers.

Williams adds that more links may emerge. Paraag Marathe fronts the structure as chairman, exercising the ownership group’s voting rights and leading major decisions, though capital and long-term strategy sit within the wider 49ers Enterprises system.

He argues IDC’s stakes in Leeds via 49ers and in Atletico via Apollo are likely small, without decisive influence, and that Atletico and Leeds will remain separate on the sporting side, unlike the Red Bull and Rangers links where collaboration exists. Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Williams says a diversified investor base eases capital calls, citing IDC being asked to help fund stadium redevelopment with a defined return plan. He also notes the network opens doors, including a line into Apollo, which controls nearly $1trn and is close to the Saudi Public Investment Fund in wealth.

He cautions that private equity is bad for football in general, even if there can be case-by-case merits.

Source: Leedsunited.news