Semore Kurdi seeks to sell Newcastle Falcons amid investor fatigue
- Semore Kurdi has engaged external advisors to facilitate the sale process of Newcastle Falcons.
- He is considering selling either a majority stake or the entire club along with commercial operations.
- This indicates a concerning trend of financial challenges and investor fatigue in professional rugby.
In the United Kingdom, Newcastle Falcons, a rugby club, has been placed up for sale by its long-term chairman, Semore Kurdi, who has held the position since 2011. Kurdi is pursuing a sale of either a majority or total ownership stake in both the club and its associated Kingston Park stadium site. Documents reviewed by The Times indicate that Kurdi is open to various arrangements, including maintaining ownership of the stadium while selling the brand and commercial rights of the Falcons. This move comes amid reports of 'investor fatigue,' particularly as Kurdi has been described as experiencing significant challenges in attracting new funding and investment for the club's operations. Despite these financial challenges, Premiership Rugby has expressed no immediate concerns regarding Newcastle's financial stability. The club successfully passed a pre-season audit, which reassures stakeholders that it will remain operational through at least the summer season. Concurrently, other clubs in the Premiership, such as Exeter Chiefs, are also seeking new investors to help support their financial needs, highlighting a broader issue within professional rugby in the UK regarding owner investment and sustainability. These developments indicate an uncertain future for the Falcons, as Kurdi's request for outside investment reflects a growing trend of financial instability among rugby clubs in the Premiership that could impact the wider sport in the country.