Danish-American businessman Thomas Sandgaard has announced he is the new owner of Charlton after acquiring 100 per cent of the Sky Bet League One club from East Street Investments (ESI).
Charlton Athletic have confirmed that Sandgaard has completed his acquisition after a long and draw-out saga, whilst the new owner himself declared in an open letter "today is the day we did the impossible!"
An injunction taken out by Paul Elliott to block the sale of ESI has been granted and a court case is set to take place later this year to determine the Manchester-based businessman's claim on the Addicks.
However, Sandgaard, who has passed the English Football League's owners' and directors' test, alleges the order does not impinge on the purchase of the club, so the businessman today said he was "thrilled" to make the announcement.
This marks a bright day in the history of Charlton Athletic after close to a year of upheaval, confusion, widespread protests and even the possibility of extinction.
It's true! Fans, your support made this possible. #CAFC #CheerForCharlton pic.twitter.com/RuiaZVc26z
— Thomas Sandgaard (@SandgaardThomas) September 25, 2020
The EFL said in a statement on its website: "The EFL notes the announcement made by Charlton Athletic in respect of a change (of) control having taken place at the club.
READ MORE: Charlton Athletic fans occupy the Valley in protest over ownership
"The matter of the sale of Charlton Athletic (or any club) is a matter for the interested parties, with the EFL's role in this process to solely consider the applications made to it under EFL regulations.
"The League is not party to the ongoing court proceedings taking place and therefore it remains a matter for the respective parties to resolve and as a result we are not in a position to comment."
Elliot agreed to buy 65% of ESI from majority shareholder Tahoon Nimer earlier this year, but he then failed the EFL owners' and directors' test in August, preventing him from being involved with the club.
On Friday, Sandgaard confirmed he was able to bypass that injunction by buying the club itself, rather than the shares in ESI.
Sandgaard, who was in attendance as Charlton lost to Doncaster in their first home game of the season last weekend, says he has already handed over funding to guarantee the club's survival.
This great news for the club, it’s fans and our community here in Greenwich. I look forward to meeting you soon @SandgaardThomas @CAFCofficial https://t.co/clrbjq0grz
— Clive Efford (@CliveEfford) September 25, 2020
Speaking on the club's official website, he said: "While there was an injunction in place to prevent the acquisition of ESI, it did not prevent the acquisition of the club itself and so I am thrilled to announce that I have acquired the club from ESI.
"With the club about to run out of funds this month, it was important that I moved quickly to complete the acquisition and put funds in to the club to ensure its survival.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE news that @SandgaardThomas has done it & @CAFCofficial is back in safe hands, remaining at the heart of our community in @Royal_Greenwich - incredible. I think a pint, and a freedom of the borough is in order ASAP, Thomas! Top work! #charlton #SaveCAFC ⚽️ https://t.co/tBQ57oGAoc
— Dan Thorpe (@DanLThorpe) September 25, 2020
"The club will also be working quickly post-completion to recover any losses suffered as a result of the actions of the previous owners to the extent possible."
"I have always had two passions - rock music and football."
Outstanding news 🙌🏻
— Matthew Pennycook (@mtpennycook) September 25, 2020
It feels like we can now finally move forward as a club.
Welcome to the Charlton family @SandgaardThomas.
Now all we need is for the @EFL to confirm that they will lift the transfer embargo and I'll be pressing them to do so.#cafc https://t.co/BtPpUrc5Wa
In his statement to fans, Sandgaard said: "Today is the day. We did the impossible. We triumphed and we made it to this point because of you.
"Thank you for your passion, your perseverance and your patience. There is no club without you."
"We are Charlton Athletic Football Club. I am humbled by your support and honoured to officially become part of the Charlton family.
"Thank you for standing up for what you believe in. I will not let you down. Cheers to each of you. Cheers to Charlton!
"I assure you we are just getting started. We are London's club. This week and every week, we will #CheerForCharlton."
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