Rangers FC Confirms Majority Stake Acquisition

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Image Credit: Rangers FC website

Rangers Football Club has announced the purchase of a majority stake in the club by a consortium of investors, led by Andrew Cavanagh and 49ers Enterprises.

The consortium is setting a fresh strategic direction for the club, focusing on improving performance on the pitch while ensuring long-term financial stability.

As part of this new chapter, the leadership group has pledged a £20 million ($41.85 million AUD) investment in the club, pending approval from shareholders at the General Meeting scheduled for 23 June 2025.

Cavenagh, a seasoned business and healthcare executive, will take on the role of Chairman of the Board.

He’ll work alongside Paraag Marathe, who joins as Vice Chairman.

Marathe is also President of 49ers Enterprises, the sports investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, led by CEO Jed York. Together, Cavenagh and Marathe bring decades of experience leading successful businesses and elite sports organisations.

As members of the Board, they’ll play a key role in guiding the club through this next phase.

This isn’t the first time 49ers Enterprises have acquired a stake in a British club, having assumed full ownership of newly promoted Premier League side Leeds United earlier this year, building upon a long-standing partnership that started in 2018.

Cavenagh expressed gratitude for the trust shown in the new leadership and emphasised a clear focus on improving performance and delivering results to restore Rangers to the top.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters,” Cavenagh said in a press release

“This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches. We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance.

“Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”

Marathe highlighted 49ers Enterprises’ commitment to both sporting success and community connection, expressing excitement about helping lead Rangers into a new era that fans can be proud of.

“At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve,” Marathe said in a press release.

“We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

The takeover has been granted approval from the Scottish Football Association.

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FV Celebrates Major Facility Upgrades Across Regional Victoria Under RCSIF

Staff Writer
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Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to acknowledge the announcement of four successful projects funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), which will deliver vital upgrades to key football facilities throughout regional Victoria.

The RCSIF is a $60 million initiative from the Allan Labor Government designed to improve community sports infrastructure with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

FV is proud to spotlight the following projects that have secured funding:

Thompson Reserve (Inverloch Stars SC)
This upgrade will feature the construction of female-friendly change rooms and enhanced lighting, encouraging greater participation among women and girls.

Dixon Field (Gisborne SC)
Essential lighting improvements will be implemented to expand training and match capacity, supporting the increasing demand for football in the Macedon Ranges.

Victoria Park (Daylesford & Hepburn United SC)
The project will include lighting enhancements to improve venue usability and support broader access for the local football community.

Romsey Recreation Reserve (Macedon Rangers SC)
Funding will go towards planning and design works for new lighting and redevelopment of the main playing surface, laying the groundwork for future infrastructure development.

FV’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole, expressed his excitement about the funding and the positive impact it will bring to regional football communities:

 “These investments are a testament to the importance of football in regional communities.

“Upgraded facilities not only created better playing experiences but also promote social connection in the community and allow for more people to play the game they love.”

Introducing the Nine Ad Manager Association and Community Club of the Year Awards

Staff Writer
Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW is proud to introduce the inaugural Football NSW Association of the Year Award, which will be presented at the Football NSW State Dinner on Saturday, October 25th. This prestigious new accolade will be awarded alongside our State Awards, Future Leader Award, Fair Play Award, and the esteemed George Churchward Medal.

Proudly sponsored by Nine Ad Manager, the Association of the Year Award recognises a Football NSW Association that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of football both within its region and across the state.

The winning Association will be one that actively empowers its clubs to enrich the football experience for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers. It will also be a strong collaborator—working constructively with Football NSW and peer Associations to safeguard and advance the long-term integrity of the game.

The Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year will have shown exceptional achievement or innovation in enhancing football delivery, across areas such as:

  • Innovative approaches to football delivery
  • Club development and support
  • Volunteer recognition and engagement
  • Development pathways for players, coaches, and referees
  • Strong governance practices
  • Creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
  • Long-term strategic planning for growth and sustainability
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Promotion of diversity and inclusion (e.g., women and girls, CALD communities)
  • Collaborative partnerships with councils, schools, sponsors, and community groups

Launching in 2025: Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award

Also debuting in 2025, the Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award will celebrate a Community Club affiliated with a Football NSW Association that has shown exceptional leadership in raising the profile of grassroots football.

This award will honour a Club that works closely with its Association to foster growth, excellence, and community impact. The winning Club will have demonstrated innovation and excellence in football delivery across areas such as:

  • Recognition as a Club Changer Club
  • A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
  • Volunteer support and appreciation
  • Development of players, coaches, and referees—especially through engagement with Association and State pathway programs
  • Strong governance
  • Fostering a positive club culture
  • Outstanding community advocacy and engagement
  • On-field excellence and achievement

Each Association will be invited to nominate one Community Club within its region for consideration. Nomination forms will be distributed in the coming weeks, and Associations are encouraged to begin gathering information in preparation. Community Clubs interested in being nominated should contact their Association directly.

Award Prizes

The winners of both the Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year and Community Club of the Year will receive a complimentary $2,000 AUD campaign via the Nine Ad Manager Platform. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $1,000 AUD campaign.

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