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Derby County's proposed Saudi takeover has collapsed after new investors dramatically pulled the plug, despite winning approval from the Football Regulator and the EFL.
Lion Sport, headed by Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, were on the cusp of completing the takeover before the Championship club announced on Monday that the proposed new ownership has had a change of heart.
The Rams have confirmed they are no longer on the market, with the EFL season kicking off this weekend.
'The club can confirm discussions with Lion Sport to buy a controlling interest in Derby County will no longer proceed,' the second-tier outfit said in a statement posted on X.
Turki Alalshikh's Lion Sport group has pulled out of taking over Derby County Football Club
A takeover had been approved by the EFL and Football Regulator but will no longer happen
'The purchase process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL, notification of which the club received last week.
'However, today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase.
'For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments.
'Our preparations continue for the new EFL season, beginning against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The club will offer no further comment.'
Turki Alalshikh later posted his own statement to X, saying: 'I would like to thank everyone at Derby County Football Club, and everyone involved in this process for all their hard work over the past few months.
'We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respects the importance of that, but unfortunately with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead.
'After careful consideration, we don't feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future.
'I personally wish the team and club every success for the season ahead.'
More to follow.