Michael Olunga discloses status of takeover talks with Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna after stall

Michael Olunga discloses status of takeover talks with Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna after stall

Festus Chuma 17:33 - 18.06.2024

The former Djugardens IF marksman has revealed details on AFC Eskilstuna acquisition talks exploring community-focused partnerships amidst financial challenges.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has revealed the current status of his negotiations to acquire Swedish third-tier club AFC Eskilstuna.

Despite the club announcing that discussions had initially stalled and the doors remained open to other potential investors, Olunga remains a key contender in the bid to take over the struggling team.

In an earlier attempt, AFC Eskilstuna had rejected Olunga's proposal, despite his readiness to inject Ksh 50 million into the financially troubled club through his Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA).

However, the recent developments indicate a shift in the club's approach, leading to renewed negotiations.

“The club has asked us to go back to the negotiating table, and the deal is almost as good as done,” Olunga shared in an interview with MozzartSport.

This second proposal, he noted, includes enhanced aspects of community integration, a critical component that was refined after initial feedback from the club.

Olunga expressed his satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing that his role would complement existing efforts rather than overshadow them.

“Of course, the club in addition to us still has existing sponsors, and so we are coming in as partners, not ideally to foot all bills,” Olunga affirmed.

AFC Eskilstuna has faced severe financial distress recently, including a potential eviction from municipal facilities due to outstanding debts and a hefty repayment demand from Sweden's Agency for Growth due to short-term support funds received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The potential acquisition by Olunga is facilitated by the club's former sporting director, Mikael Larsson, who is expected to return once Olunga’s takeover is complete.

This marks a significant chapter in the club's history, which began as FC Café Opera and underwent several transformations, including a relocation to Eskilstuna in 2012 and a rebranding to AFC Eskilstuna in 2016.

Located approximately 110 kilometers west of Stockholm, AFC Eskilstuna competes in Ettan, the third-highest division in Swedish football.

The club plays its home games at Tunavallen and continues to seek ways to stabilize its financial standing and preserve its rich history of transformation.

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