In a significant development affecting the future of Reading Football Club, owner Dai Yongge has been disqualified under the English Football League's (EFL) Owners’ and Directors’ Test. This disqualification mandates that Yongge sell the club by April 5, 2025, or face the threat of suspension from the league, a situation that could jeopardize the club’s existence.
The court ruling was delivered during a hearing at London’s Commercial Court, where the EFL publicly confirmed details of Yongge’s disqualification, a decision reportedly linked to his business interests in China rather than his operations within Reading. "Following its disclosure in open court earlier today, the League can confirm that Mr. Yongge has been recently disqualified under the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test," the EFL announced.
Yongge's lack of compliance with the EFL regulations and previous infractions brought the club to the brink. In a grim outcome for Reading supporters, failing to adhere to the set deadline could see the club facing harsh penalties, including suspension and potentially losing their standing in the league.
The turmoil surrounding Yongge’s ownership has unfolded amid a backdrop of protests from fans who have long called for a change in leadership. Reading has suffered under his tenure, with the club being deducted 18 points, raising concerns about its competitive status in League One.
At the hearing, Yongge was seeking an injunction against former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, who had expressed interest in purchasing Reading before their negotiations fell apart last September. District Judge Jacobs denied Yongge’s request, emphasizing that the dispute over Couhig's securities must not interfere with the club's sale prospects.
"To allow a sale to proceed, the Club looks forward to working with Mr. Couhig to resolve this element of his claim," Reading's statement indicated. Additionally, the club reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the EFL to secure a buyer. There is a sense of urgency, as EFL officials are prepared to explore all regulatory options if Yongge fails to divest his interests in the club.
Reading recently entered a period of exclusivity with an unnamed party interested in a takeover, raising hopes among fans that a resolution is pending. For the club, however, the clock is ticking—the EFL has given Yongge until April 5 to find a buyer or risk further penalties.
Despite claims of actively seeking a sale, Reading's ownership faced setbacks in the past. An offer from former striker Roger Smee was turned down last December. The situation has bred resentment among loyal supporters, amplifying calls for the current ownership to move on and allow the club to rebuild.
As the deadline looms, the sense of uncertainty grows thicker for Reading FC. For Caroline Parker, a representative of the fan-based protest group “Sell Before We Dai,” hope remains tinged with apprehension: "The club don’t have any excuses now. We just hope we can get a new owner. We've all had enough. Please, can this be the beginning of the end for Dai Yongge at Reading?"
The turmoil at the club contrasts sharply with its rich history while highlighting the broader complexities of ownership in modern football. Once celebrated for its prudent management and competitive spirit during its more prosperous years, Reading now navigates a precarious path, uncertain of its future as the April sell-by date approaches.
Football, especially at this level, often hinges on the decision-making of key individuals, and the coming weeks may well determine whether Reading can stabilize and build towards a positive future or if they will become another casualty of ownership mismanagement.
In summary, the disqualification of Dai Yongge has thrust Reading FC into a crucial make-or-break moment in its storied history. With a deadline for divestment fast approaching and the threat of league suspension looming, all eyes are on the management as they attempt to secure the club's long-term future amidst turmoil.
