Football: Arsenal now Russian for almost 1/4
Published 15 February, 2008, 19:13
Ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup last 16 clash with Manchester United, two news come about the Gunners. While team’s manager Arsene Wenger has backed the plan to play Premier League matches abroad in 2011, Russian stake in Arsenal has increased.
Five points separate the top two in the English Premier League but Arsenal meet Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford knowing Wayne Rooney will be back for United. Rooney was suspended and the Reds missed him as they lost at home to Manchester City.
There are only six top flight teams left in the competition.
Speaking before the upcoming FA Cup game Wenger spoke conservatively in favor of playing league matches abroad.
“Maybe the idea is not good, but there's a lot of people, who have come completely against it. I have analized it, and the fact that the Premier League wants to do something for the fans abroad, I find quite good. Also if the Premier League wants to be dominating the world – I like the idea too,” Wenger said.
Meanwhile, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal from 23% to more than 24%.
His company Red and White Holdings is jointly owned by London-based investor Farhad Moshiri.
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