The Premier League’s Most Notorious Club Owners
The Premier League is renowned not just for the talent on the pitch, but also for the larger-than-life personalities who own and manage the clubs.
Some of these owners have become infamous for their controversial decisions, lavish spending, and their overall impact on football’s most-watched league.
Whether they're celebrated for their success or criticized for their recklessness, the Premier League’s most notorious club owners are impossible to ignore.
Let’s dive into the stories of those who have left an indelible mark, for better or worse, on the world of English football.
1. Roman Abramovich – The Game-Changer
Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea Football Club is a story of transformation. When Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003, the landscape of English football changed overnight.
His willingness to spend big on top talent, including players like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, led to Chelsea's transformation into one of Europe’s elite clubs. Under his reign, Chelsea won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2012.
However, Abramovich’s tenure wasn’t without controversy. Accusations of being involved with Russia's political elite followed him throughout his ownership. His spending habits, too, were criticized for driving up the cost of transfers and wages across the league.
In 2022, following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea due to political pressures and sanctions, bringing an end to one of the most notorious ownership eras in Premier League history.
Key Highlights:
- Oversaw the rise of Chelsea as a European football powerhouse.
- Introduced a high-spending model that reshaped English football.
- Forced to sell due to political tensions and sanctions.
2. The Glazer Family – Dividing Manchester United
The purchase saddled the club with massive debt, causing widespread protests from supporters who felt their beloved club was being exploited for profit.
Despite this unrest, Manchester United enjoyed success under the Glazers’ reign, with Sir
Alex Ferguson guiding the team to several Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory in 2008. However, the post-Ferguson era exposed deeper cracks in the Glazer ownership.
Poor managerial decisions, unsuccessful player transfers, and a perceived lack of investment in the club’s facilities have only increased fan frustration over the years. The infamous “Green and Gold” movement, which calls for the Glazers to sell the club, remains active to this day.
Key Highlights:
- Took over Manchester United via a highly controversial leveraged buyout.
- Fan protests have been ongoing since 2005, with calls for them to sell.
- Despite success during the Ferguson years, the club has struggled since his departure.
3. Mike Ashley – The Unpopular Billionaire
Mike Ashley’s 14-year tenure as owner of Newcastle United was marred by controversy and widespread unpopularity. From the moment Ashley bought the club in 2007, he clashed with fans due to a perceived lack of ambition and investment in the team.
Newcastle, a club with a proud history, found itself regularly battling relegation during his ownership, and fans accused Ashley of prioritizing profit over footballing success.
Ashley’s decision-making often appeared erratic. He famously renamed St. James' Park to "Sports Direct Arena," after his own retail company, which incited further backlash from supporters.
His managerial choices, including the sacking of popular manager Chris Hughton in 2010, only fueled fan discontent. Ashley finally sold the club in 2021 to a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium, ending one of the most tumultuous ownerships in Premier League history.
Key Highlights:
- Known for prioritizing profit over footballing ambition.
- Controversial decisions, such as renaming St. James' Park, angered fans.
- Sold the club to Saudi Arabian investors in 2021, ending a long and difficult tenure.
4. Sheikh Mansour – The Billionaire Behind Manchester City’s Rise
Unlike the other names on this list, Sheikh Mansour’s ownership of Manchester City has been largely defined by success. The Abu Dhabi royal family member purchased Manchester City in 2008, and his ownership has led to a footballing revolution at the club. Under Mansour's ownership, City went from a mid-table team to one of the wealthiest and most successful clubs in the world.
Mansour’s influence has been felt not just in the transfer market, where City have spent hundreds of millions on top players, but also in the broader modernization of the club. The Etihad Campus and the redevelopment of Manchester City’s facilities have been heralded as models for other clubs to follow. City’s dominance in the Premier League, including multiple league titles and domestic cups, has made Mansour’s ownership one of the most successful in modern football.
However, critics have pointed out that Mansour’s wealth has distorted the competitive balance in the Premier League. Accusations of financial fair play breaches have also surrounded the club, casting a shadow over their achievements.
Key Highlights:
- Transformed Manchester City into one of the most successful clubs in the world.
- Spent hundreds of millions in the transfer market, attracting top global talent.
- Criticized for distorting the financial balance of the Premier League.
Conclusion
The Premier League is not just shaped by the players and managers but also by the billionaires who own the clubs. These owners, whether notorious for their controversies or celebrated for their successes, have left an undeniable imprint on English football. From Roman Abramovich's transformation of Chelsea to Sheikh Mansour's revolution at Manchester City, the influence of these club owners continues to be felt across the footballing world. Their actions, decisions, and legacies will long be discussed as part of the broader narrative of the Premier League.
BBC Sport – Roman Abramovich’s Impact on Chelsea
The Guardian – The Glazers’ Manchester United Ownership
Sky Sports – Mike Ashley and Newcastle United: A Turbulent Relationship
ESPN – Sheikh Mansour and Manchester City: A New Era
The Independent – How Roman Abramovich Changed Chelsea and the Premier League
The Telegraph – The Glazer Family and Manchester United Protests
Goal.com – Newcastle United: Mike Ashley’s Legacy
BBC Sport – Manchester City: The Sheikh Mansour Era
Forbes – The World’s Most Valuable Football Teams
The Athletic – Mike Ashley and Newcastle United
