Leicester City Football Club, one of the most successful football clubs in the English Premier League, has had an interesting ownership journey. The club's ownership structure has been a topic of interest among fans and pundits alike. In this article, we will delve into the ownership of the club and explore the key aspects that have shaped the club's journey to date.
Leicester City FC is currently owned by King Power International Group, a Thai multinational company that was founded in 1989 by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The Thai billionaire purchased the club in 2010 from Milan Mandaric, a Serbian businessman. The purchase of the club was the start of a remarkable journey that saw Leicester City rise to the top of the English football hierarchy.
Under Vichai's ownership, the club underwent significant transformation, with investments being made in infrastructure, training facilities, and the playing squad. The club's fortunes were further enhanced by the appointment of former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to their first-ever Premier League title in the 2015-16 season, against all odds.
However, tragedy struck the club when Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in October 2018. The Thai billionaire's death was a significant loss for the club, and the football world at large. Vichai was instrumental in the club's success, and his legacy lives on through the continued success of the club under King Power's ownership.
King Power International Group is a private company, and as such, financial details of the club's ownership structure are not publicly available. However, the company has invested heavily in the club since acquiring it, with significant investments being made in players, infrastructure, and community initiatives.
One of the key factors that have contributed to the club's success under King Power's ownership is the stability and continuity provided by the Thai group. Unlike some other football clubs that have changed hands frequently, Leicester City has had the benefit of a long-term owner with a clear vision for the club's future.
This stability has been further enhanced by the appointment of Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Vichai's son, as the club's chairman. Aiyawatt, who is affectionately known as "Top," has been involved in the running of the club for many years and has been instrumental in the club's continued success.
Another significant aspect of King Power's ownership of the club is their commitment to the local community. The company has invested heavily in community initiatives, with a particular focus on supporting young people. One such initiative is the Leicester City Football Club Community Trust, which provides sports coaching and education programs to young people in the local area.
King Power has also shown a commitment to sustainable development, with investments being made in renewable energy and green initiatives. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the club's operations, with efforts being made to reduce their carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.
The ownership of Leicester City FC has not been without controversy, with some fans expressing concern over the lack of transparency around the club's ownership structure. However, the club has consistently performed well under King Power's ownership, and the company's commitment to the local community and sustainability initiatives is to be commended.
One of the most significant events in Leicester City's history under King Power's ownership was the club's historic Premier League title win in the 2015-16 season. Leicester City was not expected to challenge for the title that season, but a remarkable run of form saw the team clinch the title with two games to spare.
The title win was an incredible achievement for the club, and it brought worldwide attention to Leicester City and their ownership structure.
The team's success was a testament to the vision and dedication of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his team. It showed that with the right investments, leadership, and determination, anything is possible.
Following Vichai's passing, the club continued to perform well under the leadership of Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, with the club finishing fifth in the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, securing qualification for the Europa League.
The appointment of Brendan Rodgers as the club's manager in February 2019 was another significant step forward for the club. Rodgers has brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the club, and his impact has been evident on the pitch. Under his leadership, Leicester City has continued to challenge for European places and has reached the final of the FA Cup.
In conclusion, Leicester City FC's ownership under King Power International Group has been a remarkable success story. The stability, continuity, and investment provided by the Thai company have been critical to the club's success, both on and off the pitch. The commitment to the local community and sustainable development is to be commended, and the legacy of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will forever be remembered by Leicester City fans. As the club continues to challenge for honors under the leadership of Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Brendan Rodgers, the future looks bright for the Foxes.
Comments