Leeds have announced the EFL has approved the club’s takeover by American investment group 49ers Enterprises. Chairman and majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani agreed to sell his controlling stake last month and the deal, which valued the club at around £170million, has now been confirmed. 49ers Enterprises, which owns NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, has steadily increased its stake in Leeds since becoming a minority shareholder in 2018, while the deal includes full ownership of Elland Road. Paraag Marathe, previously vice-chairman, will take over as chairman, chief executive Angus Kinnear will remain in his current position and Rudy Cline-Thomas, founder and managing partner of venture capital firm MASTRY, will join the board as co-owner and vice-chairman. Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke was appointed manager on a four-year deal earlier this month ahead of the coming season’s bid to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation in May. Marathe said in a Leeds statement: “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work. “This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club. We have already appointed a highly-respected first-team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season. “It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.” This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work. New Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe Cline-Thomas said: “With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community. “This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission. The chance to reinvigorate the cherished Leeds culture, to create a platform that attracts the world’s finest players, and build a truly global brand that celebrates diversity, is a prospect that thrills me.” 49ers Enterprises increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent in 2021 with the option of buying Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent before January 2024. The Americans had been keen to push through a full takeover this summer, but that agreement, which had valued Leeds at around £400million, was contingent on the club remaining in the Premier League. Leeds’ relegation forced both parties back into intense negotiations and a valuation of close to £170m was agreed. The deal marks the end of a six-year ownership of Leeds for Radrizzani, who said: “It has been an honour to guide Leeds United…and to spend so much time with the best fan base in the world. “49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I’m confident they will take Leeds to the next level.” Radrizzani completed a full takeover from fellow Italian Massimo Cellino in 2017 and was initially hugely popular. He bought back Elland Road stadium, which had been in private ownership since 2004, and brought in fresh investment when 49ers Enterprises purchased its first 10 per cent stake in 2018. The appointment of Marcelo Bielsa soon after proved a masterstroke as Leeds won promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years. But Radrizzani’s relationship with the Leeds fan base began to sour when Bielsa was sacked in February 2022. Leeds escaped relegation on the final day of the 2021-22 season and Radrizzani promised that the club would not be involved in another survival fight. But results this past season failed to improve under three different managers. Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia were both sacked, while Sam Allardyce left after his four-game rescue mission ended in failure. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I'm confident they will take Leeds to the next level. Andrea Radrizzani When relegation was confirmed with a final-day defeat to Tottenham, Radrizzani was absent from Elland Road, opting instead to remain in Italy to finalise his takeover of Sampdoria. He later admitted Leeds’ board had made mistakes and apologised for the club’s relegation in a personal statement posted on social media. But after it emerged he had offered to use Elland Road as collateral when securing a £26m bank loan to buy Sampdoria – one of his companies and not Leeds owned the stadium – his legacy was further tainted. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hannah Dingley’s interim spell to end as David Horseman named Forest Green boss Mikel Arteta believes ‘lighthouse’ Declan Rice can take Arsenal to next level Marcus Rashford set to sign new five-year deal at Manchester United

The Princess of Wales was in good spirits at the Rugby World Cup, which she attended in an Alexander McQueen suit she first wore at her daughter’s christening in 2015. On Saturday (9 September), Kate was photographed cheering in the crowd as England beat Argentina 27-10 in the match, which took place at the Stade de Marseille in France. The 41-year-old wore a tailored white suit comprised of a single-breasted blazer and tailored trousers that she also wore to Princess Charlotte’s christening. Kate, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, accessorised the outfit with a pair of Mappin & Webb diamond earrings and a matching diamond pendant necklace from the brand. She sat alongside Bill Beaumont, chairman of World Rugby, for the duration of the game and afterward went to meet the players in their dressing room to congratulate them on their victory. Kate is known to re-wear her luxury designer looks, having regularly re-worn red carpet looks to major events, like the Baftas. Her appearance at the Rugby World Cup comes after her husband, the Prince of Wales, faced criticism for not attending the Women’s football World Cup final in Sydney last month. Kate also did not attend. The Lionesses were ultimately beaten in a historic World Cup final against Spain. The Prince of Wales, who is the president of the Football Association (FA), watched the match on television. It is understood that the decision was made because it would involve flying across the world for a very short period of time. Kate, meanwhile, recently paid homage to the late Queen Elizabeth on the first anniversary of her death. On Friday (8 September), she stepped out in drop-down pearl earrings as an ode to Her Majesty, waling alongside Prince William as the pair attended a service at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales. For the occasion, she paired a long-sleeve burgundy trench coat dress and matching hat with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee diamond and pearl earrings. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth last year, Kate kept the same earrings on for the entire week, including while in Sandringham greeting well-wishers. Read More Kate Middleton honours Queen Elizabeth with meaningful earrings on first anniversary of monarch’s death Corgis gather outside Buckingham Palace to remember Queen Elizabeth II almost one year since her death Meghan Markle to join Prince Harry at Invictus Games in September Kate Middleton honours Queen Elizabeth with meaningful earrings No return to UK for Meghan over Kate curtsey issue, Diana’s biographer says Dolly Parton shares hilarious reason she turned down tea with Kate Middleton

Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. was hospitalized Saturday after he was struck by a car but discharged a few hours...

Everything to know ahead of Georgia vs Spain in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday evening.

The waning days of 2021 introduced us to a new genre of tweet: Green, yellow,

Rain has delayed the toss for the Indian Premier League final between defending champions Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings...

By Foo Yun Chee and Sheila Dang BRUSSELS/DALLAS (Reuters) -EU industry chief Thierry Breton on Thursday opened an investigation into

The Cubs-Yankees game today was threatened by rain in the Bronx. Check here for updates on the Yankees rain delay and restart time.The final game of the series between the Cubs and Yankees, and the final game before the All-Star break, didn't make it all the way before the weather got in th...

Two lucky 'Love Island USA' Season 5 couples are free from the public vote

In 1969, Charles Manson dispatched a group of disaffected young followers on a two-night killing rampage that terrorized Los Angeles

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 4, 2023--

Florida returns to the Swamp following a 33-14 drubbing at Kentucky and will face Vanderbilt on homecoming