The investment deal involving Saudi Arabia government official Turki Alalshikh into Derby County is reportedly close to being finalized, with potential approval expected as early as next week. Alalshikh, who is also a co-founder of the boxing promotion company Zuffa, has been in negotiations for a stake in the English Championship club, with a proposal on the table since May.
Final checks are underway, and the investment is anticipated to receive the green light from English football's independent regulator in the near future, according to BBC Radio Derby. The proposed investment has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which previously characterized the regulator's decision as a "defining test."
Alalshikh, who chairs Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and maintains close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has faced criticism from rights groups for his alleged involvement in 'sportswashing.' This practice involves using sports to enhance a nation's global image and potentially distract from its human rights record, treatment of women, use of the death penalty, and stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Prior to this potential investment, Alalshikh was the owner of Egyptian club Pyramids from 2018 to 2019. He also recently owned the Spanish side Almeria before selling the club to a Saudi Arabian investment group in May.
Representatives for the Independent Football Regulator, Derby County, and Alalshikh have declined to comment on the ongoing situation.