A Dubai-based investment fund, World Gate Investments, is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Toulouse FC from their current American owners, RedBird Capital Partners, according to a report from L’Équipe.

World Gate Investments confirmed to the French paper that they have made inquiries and are in active discussions with RedBird, stating, “We are in discussions with RedBird. The conditions seem interesting to us, and it is within our capabilities.”

Raphaël Le Magoariec, a geopolitical expert focusing on the Gulf states, told L’Équipe that the investment fund is more closely aligned with American investment firms than with sovereign wealth funds. “It’s not owned by someone from the ruling family’s inner circle,” he explained.

This is not the first time Toulouse FC has been linked to a potential sale. In 2023, RedBird considered pulling out when Toulouse qualified for the 2023/24 Europa League, as the club’s other major investment, AC Milan, also participated in the competition, potentially breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. However, Toulouse avoided the issue by restructuring its organisation.

In 2024, US-based Otro Capital was also said to be interested in purchasing RedBird’s shares.

Toulouse FC declined to comment on the ongoing discussions with L’Équipe.

(Source: GFFN)