Valenciennes FC: Sport Republic owned by Serbian Dragan Solak, becomes new majority shareholder

Sport Republic, which describes itself as "a London-based investment firm in the sports and entertainment industry", has bought out the majority shareholders of Valenciennes FC (Ligue 2 BKT) and become the club's owner, announced VAFC on 25/07/2023.

The UK-based Danish investment fund, which is owned by Serbian businessman Dragan Solak, has owned an 80% stake in Southampton FC (relegated to the Sky Bet Championship after the 2022-23 Premier League season) since January 2022, and a majority stake in Turkish D2 club Göztepe SK since August 2022. According to local media reports, the company has acquired an 88% stake in the French club for around €15m.

Exclusive negotiations between the two parties were announced on 16/06/2023. "The two parties aim to finalise their discussions as soon as possible in order to consider an agreement that complies with French regulations," said VAFC at the time, which was initially expecting to appear before the DNCG on 27/06/2023.

While the French club's new management team has yet to be announced, Matthias Leterme, former CEO of Jupiler Pro League side KV…