



Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are delighted to announce that an agreement has been reached which will see ownership of the Club pass from Chairman Mr Milan Mandaric to Mr Hafiz Mammadov.





Mr Mammadov, a former member of The Azerbaijan Football Association and current owner of FC Baku and RC Lens, spoke exclusively to swfc.co.uk explaining his pleasure at agreeing a deal with Milan Mandaric to take full control of the Owls.





He said: "I am immensely pleased and proud to have agreed a deal to buy this wonderful Club."





The founder and Chairman of the hugely successful Baghlan Group which specialises in oil, gas, construction and transportation commented further: "I am a passionate football fan with enormous respect for English football. I have been looking at investing in England for some time but I was determined to find the right Club.





"I am hugely ambitious and feel the Owls match my passion and desire for success and represent our motto of Azerbaijan Land of Fire. I promise the supporters I will work extremely hard to bring the success everyone so rightly craves."





Chairman Milan Mandaric gave his reaction to the deal and explained his decision to pass control to the new owner, saying: “I am delighted to have concluded a deal with Hafiz, he is a true football man and I have no doubt whatsoever that I am handing over control to someone with a real passion for the game and the ability to carry on the work I started three years ago to return Sheffield Wednesday back to the top division of English football. It’s something that the wonderful supporters of this Club deserve having remained so loyal throughout the difficult times prior to my arrival."





He went on to say: "On my first day at the Club I promised the supporters two things; firstly I would ensure that when I left we would be in far better shape than when I arrived and more importantly, that I would only hand over ownership when I found the right man for the Club and I sincerely believe I have delivered on both undertakings."





The deal is still subject to ratification by the Football League and during that process Mr Mammadov and his team will become involved in the operation of the Club, ensuring the best possible preparation for the new season, something all involved are anxious to achieve.





No further comment will be made at this point. The Club asks its supporters for patience while the formal requirements are completed but Mr Mammadov has promised that as soon as it is appropriate he will discuss further his vision for the Club.