Emirates Stadium: Home of Arsenal(credit: Leigh Copson)
The Arsenal Supporters Trust has voted “unanimously” not to sell its shares to American businessman Stan Kroenke.
Kroenke increased his stake in the Emirates Stadium outfit to 62.89% by purchasing the shares of Danny Fiszman and Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, and that triggered a full takeover attempt with the Kroenke Sports Enterprises supremo obliged to make an offer for the remaining shares valued at £11,750 a share
However, the AST are against allowing one man to control the club and have followed the lead of Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov, who has already said he will not sell his 27% stake in the club.
An AST spokesman said: “Arsenal is too important to be owned by any one person.
“The AST wants to work with Stan Kroenke to keep Arsenal supporters involved in the club's ownership structure.
“The AST and the Arsenal Fanshare scheme will not be selling the shares it owns and urges all supporters to reject this offer.
“In just six months the Arsenal Fanshare scheme has gained 1800 members who have invested £500,000 in Arsenal shares.
“This scheme has been widely praised across the football community and is supported by the Government who are currently reviewing football's governance structures.
“AST is encouraged to hear Red & White plan to keep their shares. They have previously stated their long-term commitment to the club and this decision would be a good demonstration of that.”