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Reading FC Announce New Majority Shareholders

After what feels like an era of uncertainty, it’s over.

Reading v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship Play Off: Second Leg Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

Reading Football Club have sneakily unveiled that they have new majority shareholders.

The club released a statement midway through the second half of their 1-0 second leg play-off semi-final victory over Fulham.

In the statement, they say:

Reading Football Club are delighted to confirm that Chinese brother and sister, Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li, have become the majority shareholders at the club. Our existing shareholders will retain a minority shareholding in the club.

The club have gained EFL approval for the change in majority shareholder and our new Chinese shareholders have taken up their position at Reading Football Club.

We would like to thank every one of our loyal fans for their patience and continued support over recent months whilst the new ownership structure has been finalised – a structure which ensures the future financial stability of the club and will enable the club to move to the next level, both on and off the pitch.

Sounds good, right?

This also sounds good, from Mr Dai himself.

“One of my first priorities will be to visit the development site for the new training ground and we also intend to revisit stadium extension plans with the vision of creating world class facilities at the club.”

While Lady Sasima, who we presume is taking a back seat now the Thais are a minority shareholder, said:

“On behalf of everyone at Reading, I would like to officially welcome the Dai Family to the club.

“Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li are clear in their ambition to take Reading Football Club forward and, together, we will work diligently to continue to build a positive, successful and stable future for our club.”

And a club statement wouldn’t be complete without Chief Exec Nigel Howe having the final word.

“Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li are investing in a club with undoubted potential - investment which will benefit not only the first team squad, but which will also help to improve the club’s training facilities, continue to support its Category One Academy programme and actively assist in delivering plans to develop the Royal Elm Park proposal. We are very pleased to welcome them to Reading.”

Exciting times all round for Reading Football Club.

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End in the coming days and weeks as we cover the Fulham games, our impending trip to Wembley, and what this takeover news means for the club.