German businessmen swoop for Bradford City

Two German businessmen have swooped to acquire Bradford City football Club – and have pledged to keep the fans at the forefront of the club.

Stefan Rupp and Edin Rahic finalised the deal with outgoing chairs Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn. Rahic will move to the UK to base himself at the club’s home ground, Valley Parade, while Rupp will remain in Germany.

On taking over Bradford City, Rahic said the pair had “no plans to make big changes, but to work within the existing structure”.

“We have seen the way the club and fans interact and the model of affordable football is very important to us,” he said, adding that the businessmen had agreed to lowering season ticket prices.

Rahic added that he would “work with everyone associated with the club and respect its traditions”, and that he had been involved in “very encouraging discussions” with manager Phil Parkinson.

“We understand there is a lot to do over the summer and we must manage expectations of the fans in the short term,” he said.

Bradford finished last season in the play-off places, but its chances of making the Championship were quashed following a semi-final defeat to Millwall.

Chief operating officer James Mason will work alongside the pair in the day-to-day running of the club.

He said the deal marked a “new era” for Bradford City, adding: “Our aim is to continue to grow the fan base and develop the club commercially to support Phil and the players. We know we have a unique bond with the club and its supporters at the heart of the community. We are a very special club with undeniable potential.”