Fans can buy into future of Victory

FOR a lazy $1100, A-League fans can become a part-owner of the embattled Melbourne Victory football club.

In the latest twist to the club’s bitter boardroom brawl, outgoing Victory director Richard Wilson has come good on a threat to sell his group’s 16 per cent stake in the club directly to its supporters.

From 9am on Friday, Victory fans could purchase a block of 500 or more Melbourne Victory shares valued at $2.20 a pop. Wilson — a foundation board member and former managing director — quit Victory last week “as a result of a fundamental disagreement with the chairman (Anthony Di Pietro) and the board over the direction the club has taken”.

Club bosses hit back within hours, saying the board and a number of its shareholders “welcomed his exit”.

Victory is at the bottom of the A-League ladder and under mounting pressure from a disenchanted fan base.

“This is a historic time in the Australian football landscape,” Wilson said.

“The opportunity for fans, supporters and members to become shareholders in an ALeague club is potentially a game-changer for all clubs.

“These new shareholders will now have a real voice in the future of Melbourne Victory, what it stands for, and how it is being run.

“I think every other owner will be looking closely at the take-up and interest in this share offer with a view to strengthening their club with a broader shareholder base. It brings fans a significant step closer into the life of their club and the A-League through an affordable investment.” Wilson said there were 2,310,000 shares on offer “with a minimum 500-share parcel at a $2.20 per share price tag”.

The sale values the club as a $30 million entity, with the 16 per cent stake controlled by Wilson’s group valued at about $5 million.

“The clubs need fans to become engaged at a deeper level,” Wilson said.

Victory meets cross-town rival Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday night.