Chinese businessman eyes Newcastle Jets

A Chinese businessman has emerged as the most likely candidate to take over the Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets.

According to the Australian newspaper, the Newcastle Herald, the Chinese millionaire met with the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) and inspected facilities at the Hunter Stadium and the Jets’ training base at Ray Watt Oval two weeks ago.

The investor is now awaiting a detailed prospectus, outlining the club’s financial position and the commercial model of the A-League.

The potential buyer, who is understood to have made his fortune in lighting and electronics, owns a lower-division football club in China and is keen to expand his football interests in the A-League.

“He is part of a community of businessmen who are being encouraged by the Chinese government to invest in football teams,” a Herald source said. 

“He and an assistant were out here a fortnight ago. They met with representatives from the FFA, visited Newcastle, walked through the stadium and inspected other facilities.”

The FFA assumed ownership of the Jets in May after revoking the licence of owner Nathan Tinkler, who had placed the club into voluntary administration.

FFA CEO, David Gallop, confirmed last week that there had been strong interest from parties in Asia and Europe and he was optimistic of a sale before the start of next season.

Source: Newcastle Herald

Proofread by John Devlin