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James Bord's Consortium Withdraws £40 Million Bid Amid Valuation Issues

2/26/2026

36 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The James Bord-led consortium withdrew its bid after a due diligence report inflated the club's valuation.
Bord's group offered around £40 million, higher than earlier estimates, and included Felix Römer and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil, with £4 million invested.
The club has been in administration since October, and administrators will seek new buyers, but the sale may take months due to the EFL's Owners and Directors' Test.

History

Historical Context

The English Football League (EFL) introduced the Owners and Directors' Test in 2008 to ensure club ownership integrity following financial crises, notably Portsmouth's administration with debts over £60 million. This scrutiny continues as James Bord's consortium withdrew a £40 million bid due to inflated valuations, underscoring the EFL's ongoing commitment to financial stability and accountability among its 72 member clubs.

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Story summary

The James Bord-led consortium withdrew its bid after a due diligence report inflated the club's valuation.
Bord's group offered around £40 million, higher than earlier estimates, and included Felix Römer and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil, with £4 million invested.
The club has been in administration since October, and administrators will seek new buyers, but the sale may take months due to the EFL's Owners and Directors' Test.

1 / 2