Brighton and Hove Albion’s billionaire owner Tony Bloom buys stake in Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory is the latest A-League club to be funded by the owner of an English Premier League outfit.

English Premier League clubs continue to invest in the A-League, with Brighton and Hove Albion owner and chairman Tony Bloom having bought a stake in Melbourne Victory.

The 54-year-old English entrepreneur, who has a reported net worth of 1.3 billion pounds ($A2.66bn), has acquired a 19.1 per cent share of the Victory and can increase his ownership “over time”.

The Victory joins Auckland FC, which is funded by billionaire Bourmemouth owner Bill Foley, and Melbourne City, whose owner City Football Group’s portfolio includes Manchester City, as A-League clubs with financial links to EPL outfits.

“We are extremely excited to bring someone of Tony’s calibre not only into Melbourne Victory but, of course, into the A-League,” Victory chairman John Dovaston said.

“Tony’s wealth of experience and expertise in football is well recognised, with Brighton and Hove Albion being widely regarded as one of the best-run teams in the EPL.

“While the investment is independent of Tony’s other footballing interests, we are confident that being able to leverage Tony’s network at Brighton and beyond will help propel Melbourne Victory forward with a further strengthened capital base.”

Bloom’s investment in the Victory comes after previous investors 777 Partners ended their association with the club earlier this month.

“As a passionate football supporter, I am excited to have the opportunity to become a shareholder in Melbourne Victory, one of the most successful clubs in A-League history,” said Bloom, who is also a minority shareholder in Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

“My investment reflects my confidence in the (Victory’s) vision and leadership, and I see tremendous potential in the club for further growth and success, both on and off the pitch.

“My wife is from Australia and, whenever possible, the two of us and our children enjoy spending time there each year.

“I am especially delighted that we now have a ‘home club’ in Australia to support.

“The club’s leadership know that I am available to them whenever needed to help in driving continued progress and success for Melbourne Victory.”

Victory managing director, Caroline Carnegie said: “In seeking a new investment partner, it was important that the club strategically aligned with someone who could help us achieve our vision to lead, unite, connect and inspire Australians through football.

“We believe that with Tony’s strategic support we have an opportunity to do just that, while not compromising our own DNA and identity.”

Bloom is a successful poker and sports betting identity nicknamed “The Lizard”.

Originally published as Brighton and Hove Albion’s billionaire owner Tony Bloom buys stake in Melbourne Victory