Cardiff City chase their own Abramovich

Apr 26 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

THE football fixer who played a key role in taking Roman Abramovich to Chelsea FC may have found a multi-millionaire to buy into FA Cup final-bound Cardiff City.

Leading London financier Keith Harris has put Bluebirds’ chairman Peter Ridsdale in touch with an East European businessman who is keen on investing millions in a British team.

The mystery foreigner could see the thriving Bluebirds as an ideal opportunity after the team’s stunning march to a Wembley showdown with Portsmouth.

The Echo can reveal Ridsdale and City manager Dave Jones met Harris and the East European businessman in Spain on Wednesday.

They held secret talks and then attended the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Manchester United at the Nou Camp.

The Echo understands more discussions are planned soon.

The fact that such a leading football figure as Harris is involved gives real credibility to the hope that big money will be invested in the Bluebirds.

Harris, a former chairman of the Football League, has a reputation for sealing major deals and holds huge clout in soccer circles.

He played a leading role in helping install Abramovich as Chelsea’s owner.

The Russian’s record since going to Stamford Bridge is well documented, with his investment turning the Blues into one of the leading forces in Europe.

Harris also had a high-profile involvement in the £62.6m takeover of Aston Villa by Randy Lerner, the owner of Cleveland Browns’ American Football club.

Harris was called in to oversee the £75m West Ham takeover by an Icelandic consortium fronted by Eggert Magnusson. He was also a financial adviser to Manchester United at one stage.

Harris is a director of Wembley National Stadium Limited, while he is executive chairman of the Seymour Pierce corporate finance group which is based in the City.

Cardiff’s profile has soared since they reached the FA Cup final and, with the High Court hearing behind them, they are ripe for investment.

Potential backers from abroad are looking towards Coca-Cola Championship clubs, where they can make a real difference, rather than often overpriced Premier League sides.

Ridsdale confirmed he met a “potential investor” in Barcelona, saying: “There are a number of businessmen interested in either part-investment of Cardiff City FC or, perhaps, a takeover.”

The deals being talked about range in value from a few million pounds to tens of millions.

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