It’s all change at Stoke City FC ahead of the new season, as bet365 has completed a demerger as part of the new ownership model of the Championship club.
Key to the structural change of the club means it is now owned by John Coates, who completes ownership of the club through Stoke City Holdings Limited.
Furthermore, the new ownership model means that both the stadium and Stoke City’s Clayton Wood training ground are now fully owned by the second-tier club. The club also outlined that the transaction has cleared its debts, something bet365 has assisted with in the past.
Coates emphasised: “My family and I remain steadfast in our commitment to Stoke City, so it’s very much business as usual.
“Infrastructure projects at the stadium and our training facility will continue during the coming years at pace, and Potters’ supporters can rest assured that investment in the playing squad will continue to be maximised within our competition rules.”
The amendment to the ownership model has been implemented for licensing reasons by the group, having been identified as ‘the best, most sustainable way for bet365 to continue its global expansion’ and for the club to continue to enjoy the long-term support of the Coates family.
Coates continued: “Everything we do is geared towards bringing long-term success to Stoke City and representing our fanbase and local community in a way that makes people proud.”
The club’s Board of Directors will continue to comprise John Coates, Richard Smith and Peter Coates, Stoke City explained.
bet365 has become intertwined with Stoke City having sponsored the club for a significant amount of time and remaining headquartered in the region.
