Melbourne Victory fans given chance to buy stake in the A-League club

Melbourne Victory fans have been given the green light to buy a stake in the embattled A-League club.

Melbourne Victory fans show their support during a match against Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory’s board has approved the public sale of shares into the embattled A-League club.

A 16 per cent stake in the Victory controlled by ex-director Richard Wilson will now be sold directly to rank-and-file fans.

Supporters can purchase a block of 500 or more club shares valued at $2.20 each.

Wilson — a foundation board member and former managing director — quit the Victory in February “as a result of a fundamental disagreement with the chairman (Anthony Di Pietro) and the board over the direction the club has taken”.

He is now calling for Di Pietro to “take full responsibility for the demise of this once great club” and follow him out the door.

Melbourne Victory fans will have a chance to buy shares in the club. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“After more than 10 years as chairman, it is time for change,” Wilson said.

“Melbourne Victory needs a new independent chairman and the fans need to have a say in the new direction.”

Victory sits second-last on the A-League ladder after a calamitous season headlined by the sacking of head coach Grant Brebner and last week’s resignation of chief executive Trent Jacobs. Board member Caroline Carnegie has stepped in as managing director.

“Appointing a managing director from the same board who answers to the same chairman is not the answer,” Wilson said.

“This new appointment, interim or otherwise, isn’t going to achieve the fundamental change and urgent branch renewal that the club needs to move forward.

“I wish Caroline every success but it is hard to see how this appointment will lead to real change. There needs to be a new direction and that can’t happen unless there is change at the top.”

Ex-director Richard Wilson believes Victory president Anthony Di Pietro should stand down. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

Wilson said his 16 per cent share offering was “a rare opportunity for the fans to have a real say and vote in the future board appointments and direction of the club”.

“They feel well and truly let down by the current board and administration,” he said. “The

lack of trust in the chairman and current board members to lead the club out of this abyss is in serious question.

“The share transfer approval is the final confirmation the board have agreed to the fans becoming an integral part of the club’s future, including the boards make up and direction.

“Most importantly, the board will be held more rigidly accountable for its decisions and outcomes.”

The share offer is available through the website www.melbournevictoryltdsharesale.com.au