Sheffield Takeover: Mmobousi bemoans racism

Nigerian tech entrepreneur and billionaire Dozy Mmobuosi believes the colour of his skin has subjected him to excessive checks in his bid to take over English Championship club Sheffield United, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 43-year-old businessman is close to finalizing a £90m takeover of the Blades having held talks with the present owner, Prince Abdullah.

While speaking about his plight on a podcast with former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, Mmobousi explained that Sheffield United is the first and only team he supports since he felt the energy of the fans in the city and gave in to the idea of owning the club.

“I am now a fan of this club. I told my wife some couple of years ago that maybe one day when I get involved in soccer, I will only get to support the club I own. The only team I ever supported is the Super Eagles and I still support them till date, and that’s my national team,” Mmobousi said.

“Hopefully I get approved by the EFL and you’ll find me a capable partner. I’m a long-term, focused person. I’m not here to just take and go.

“I believe we’ll get to the Premier League and remain there. I intend to run this club not just as a business that benefits the fans and myself, but the community.”

When asked whether he feels the colour of his skin makes it difficult to own a club in the UK, Mmbousi was unimpressed with the manner in which the supposed quiet takeover was blown to the media, pointing to the fact questions were raised because of his background.

“I am one of the most scrutinized individuals that I know. I run a public company, the scrutiny for me is different and I feel that. My market cap is hit because maybe wall street has refused or failed to understand our message. But we are undervalued and I feel that if I weren’t Nigerian or African, it would have been different. So, I think the world needs to change this attitude of naming people, shaming people or doubting people because they come from a certain place,” Mmobousi said on FIVE podcast.