Tan buying FK Sarajevo?

Last updated : 27 December 2013 By Michael Morris

The following report is from The Daily Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/cardiff-city/10537170/Cardiff-City-owner-Vincent-Tan-agrees-to-buy-FK-Sarajevo-and-establish-cooperation-deal-between-clubs.html

Vincent Tan, the controversial Cardiff City owner, has revealed that he will make big investments in Bosnian football after agreeing to buy FK Sarajevo and institute a cooperation agreement between the two clubs.

Tan has been in talks since earlier in the summer with Sarajevo, who are now official partners of the Premier League club.

Unlike at Cardiff, Tan, recently in the firing line from supporters for his attempt to oust popular manager Malky Mackay, has guaranteed not to change the Bosnian club's badge and colours.

"We want to give players of Sarajevo the opportunity to play in Cardiff City and in the Premier League," the Malaysian-born Tan is quoted as saying by Dnevni Avaz, a Sarajevo-based daily newspaper.

"We also want to build a football academy that will attract the most talented players from all Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will offer them excellent conditions for training and will enable them to play in one of the best leagues in the world.

"Bosnia is full of talents. We have already concluded an agreement on cooperation between the two clubs. Cardiff City will also provide technical support in building an academy, we will play friendlies, exchange players and organise joint training camps."

FK Sarajevo, who are second in the Bosnian league, say the deal precludes any change to their name, emblem or predominantly red colours. Tan has enraged Cardiff supporters by abandoning the club's traditional blue for a red badge and first-choice playing kit.

According to local reports, the billionaire Tan has agreed a price for the purchase of the club, and well as presenting the selling owners with a budget for the current campaign and the 2014-15 season.

The takeover will be finalised at FK Sarajevo's next scheduled board meeting, in February, at which point the Cardiff owner will also be named the owner of the Bosnian club.

There is nothing in Uefa's rule book to prevent owners having a stakeholding in more than one club, providing they do not meet in European competition.