Fifth FTC Tender Kicked Into Touch

Another tender will be launched shortly, possibly by the new state asset manager the MNV, according to Magyar Hírlap.

The MNV said the offer submitted by UK firm Scarborough Property Holdings was Ft 1 billion lower than the minimum price of Ft 4.16 billion. The buyer was also required to pay Ft 1.2 billion to renovate the FTC stadium and Ft 800 million to the sports club. The bidder did not undertake to pay for the Ft 800 million worth of FTC shares, and set conditions that were not included in the tender regulations.

Scarborough, founded by Kevin McCabe, chairman of Sheffield United football club, has long been viewed as a potential FTC buyer.

FTC president György Rieb almost burst into tears upon hearing of the decision, Magyar Hírlap reports. “We are shocked. This is a huge blow to FTC and to all of Hungarian football. I have talked to the English, who are naturally also very disappointed. I think it would have been in the interest of Hungarian football that their bid be accepted, as English investors would have built a new stadium, which could have been to the benefit of all sports fans, not just the club. From now on I can only hope that the English will again put in a bid. If not, I have no idea what the future of FTC will be.”

Some 100 FTC fans demanded an explanation outside the MNV building Wednesday evening. Levente Bánk Boros, vice president of a Ferencváros fan club, told Magyar Nemzet “in our opinion the ground is being prepared for a Hungarian investor close to the Socialist Party through the destruction of Ferencváros, who will only be interested in the land.”

Source: Hungary Around the Clock.

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