June 26 – Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, a member of the Qatar ruling family, has bought the struggling Primera Liga club Malaga for $44 million (£29 million), the first foreigner to own a Spanish club.
Sheikh Abdullah was introduced on the pitch of the club’s Rosaleda Stadium and had told a press conference: “It’s a proud moment for me personally and for Qatar.”
“I am overjoyed to be in one of the world’s best leagues.”
The deal follows months of attempts by the former owner and ex-Real Madrid President Fernando Sanz to find a buyer who would be able to invest in the club, who were founded in 1948.
Malaga’s supporters will see similarities in Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed’s purchase of Manchester City, the English Premier League side, in 2008, which was followed by a big investment in the team.
Sheikh Abdullah has not ruled out buying top players but said he hoped the club would be able to groom most of its talent from its youth team.
A new coach is expected to be presented tomorrow.
Jesualdo Ferreira, the former Porto coach, reportedly will be named to replace the current manager, Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz.
Malaga, who have spent the last two seasons in Spain’s top flight, escaped relegation on the final day of last season to finish 17th.
The highest position the club, who are sponsored by British bookmakers William Hill, have finished in recent years was eighth in 2000-2001
Sheikh Abdullah, 43, manages a business empire based in the United Arab Emirates which employs around 3,000 people and operates in more than 30 countries.
He is also vice chairman of the Doha Bank.
“Our goal is to help Malaga take the necessary steps to consolidate its presence in La Liga and to reinforce the excitement and hopes of the supporters,” Sheikh Abdulla said.
The deal does not give the Sheikh ownership of the Rosaleda Stadium, which is owned by Malaga Town Hall.