English fans buy club through internet

الأربعاء، 14 نوفمبر 2007 - 19:01

كتب : Hatem Maher

Picture taken from the English website

Picture taken from the English website

Football fans used internet to play fantasy games which enable them to manage teams, but the worldwide network now provided them the opportunity to buy clubs in real life.

20,000 members in MyFootballClub.co.uk have purchased English amateur club Ebbsfleet United for £700,000, with each paying £35 through internet.

"We are united in believing this is a great opportunity," Ebbsfleet chairman Jason Botley told BBC Sport

"This extra finance and support will enable our club to progress."

All members will have an equal share in the club and each one will have the right to vote for player selection, transfers and all major decisions.

"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science and luck often plays its part," Ebbsfleet coach Liam Daish said.

"During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn't start games. Now they can have their say."

The website will buy 51% controlling stake and will have an option in the future to purchase the remaining stakes and fully own the club.