Bristol Rovers announce Hussain Al Saeed to acquire shares owned by Wael and Samer Al Qadi

Bristol Rovers have announced that chairman Hussain Al Saeed will acquire the shares currently owned by Wael and Samer Al Qadi, which make up 45 per cent, over the next 18 months.

Wael Al Qadi will remain club president during that period but is expected to step away from the football club entirely at the end of the 2025/26 football season.

Al Saeed acquired a majority share of 55 per cent in the club's holding company Dwane Sports in August last year with Wael Al Qadi owning 40.5 per cent and his brother Samer 4.5 per cent.

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Wael Al Qadi first came into the club in February 2016 as Dwane Sports purchased a 92 per cent stake in the side before taking full control in summer 2020.

Come the end of the 18-month period, the Al Qadis' involvement with Rovers will have exceeded a decade.

The club's official statement in full read: "Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to announce that an agreement has been reached for Hussain Al Saeed to acquire all shares (45 per cent) held by Wael and Samer Al Qadi. This marks a significant moment in the club's journey towards long-term growth.

"The acquisition will be completed over an 18-month period, during which Mr Hussain Al Saeed will provide all funding to support the club’s ongoing operations and development. Mr Wael Al Qadi will remain club President until this time.

"Bristol Rovers Football Club would like to express its gratitude to Wael and Samer Al Qadi for their contributions during their time as shareholders. Their efforts have been integral in helping Bristol Rovers reach its current position and in laying solid foundations for the future.

"Wael Al Qadi said: 'To the Rovers Organisation, the Community Trust and all Supporters Clubs, I am thankful to have had the chance to work with so many devoted people, I will always treasure the love and support from everyone at BS7 and wish everyone there all the best.

'To all of the players, managers and staff, past and present. You sacrificed everything and attacked every challenge bravely and I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. We won and we lost together and experienced two legendary epic promotions which will be engraved in the club’s history forever.

'To my dear Gasheads: your passion, commitment and love for this football club is unrivalled in English Football. Thank you for welcoming me and my family into the club and for all the wonderful memories we created together. We experienced many ups and downs together and I know you saw me as being all in - trying the best for you and the Club. This is never a goodbye, as I am one of you now, a Gashead forever... See you on the terraces!

'And finally, as I walk into the sunset, some very last words from me: 'Good night Irene…'

"Hussain Al Saeed commented: 'I want to personally thank Wael and Samer for their contributions and for helping to ease the transition during this takeover. Their support has been invaluable throughout and they will always be a part of the Bristol Rovers family.

'I am excited and proud to lead the club into a bright future, building on top of the strong foundations that have been established."

The club is going through an exciting period of development, which represents a new chapter for Bristol Rovers football club. The club is confident that this transition will bring continued progress both on and off the pitch. We remain committed to delivering success for our supporters, key stakeholders, and the wider community.'"

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