Salford future assured by eve-of-season takeover
The future of Salford Red Devils has been assured as a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta completed an eve-of-season takeover of the Super League club.
Berta's group has acquired full 100% ownership of the club, subject to final approval by the Rugby Football League, after lengthy talks with stakeholders including Salford City Council, which owns Salford Community Stadium.
The new owners have cleared the Red Devils' debt and "will deliver additional significant investment for the future growth of the club", a Salford statement said.
The takeover ends a period of uncertainty for the Red Devils, including having to request an advance payment from other Super League clubs on their 2025 revenue share and being ordered to sell players by the RFL.
Berta - the chief executive officer of Matanel, an investment bank which specialises in real estate - told the club's website: "This is the start of a very bright and successful future for Salford Red Devils.
"I feel like we have the perfect opportunity to build something special. Our focus and dedication now is to work together with stakeholders and fans to build sustainable success on and off the pitch for the long term."
Chris Irwin has been appointed CEO and is meeting head coach Paul Rowley, assistant Kurt Haggerty and the club's players on Friday to underline the plans for the future.
Salford begin their 2025 season away to Midlands Hurricanes in the Challenge Cup on Sunday before facing St Helens in their Super League opener on 15 February.
