February 2024: Florida based entrepreneur Shilen Patel and his Father Kiran Patel acquired an 87.8% stake in West Bromwich Albion. Known locally as ‘the Baggies’, this West Midlands football club was formed in 1878. Shilen Patel, who also has a minority share in Italian Series A club, Bologna, is now the Chairman of West Bromwich Albion.
Shilen Patel’s £60 million takeover has been described as a new dawn for Action for Albion, a fan protest group. Action for Albion was formed in response to mismanagement by former owner and Chair Guochuan Lai; a Chinese Businessman, who purchased the club in 2016. Lai’s tenure was a troubling period for the club during which time it was relegated from the Premier League. Lai was involved in a number of controversies involving the club’s finances which included his failure to repay a £5 million loan he took from the club. From 2023, Action for Albion started protests to call for the removal of Lai who they saw as exploiting the Club and having little regard for Albion’s fans or its history.
Shilen Patel Chairmanship has been welcomed by Fans, who have noted the humility and respect he has already shown for the club’s heritage: “I am in awe of the opportunity to help write the next chapter in Baggies history and am committed to being a responsible, respectful, and effective steward of the club.” Kiran Patel’s extensive philanthropic work in fields of medicine and education have played a role in reassuring fans of the integrity and values that Patels bring to their club.
Photo: X/@WBA