Burnley Owners Agree Espanyol Takeover Deal

Velocity Sports Limited (VSL), led by Burnley owner Alan Pace and including minority investor J.J. Watt, has reached an agreement to acquire Spanish La Liga club Espanyol from the Chinese Rastar Group. The deal will see both Espanyol and Burnley operate independently but share financial backing from VSL, with Rastar retaining a role through the new structure. The acquisition is pending completion of administrative procedures before it becomes official. This move reflects the rise of multi-club ownership groups in football, similar to City Football Group, and comes as such models face regulatory scrutiny, as highlighted by Crystal Palace's demotion in European competition. Espanyol fans have voiced discontent over Rastar's tenure, which included two relegations. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.