Rochdale football club set to be saved from liquidation

The side, currently in the National League, have received a number of approaches after announcing it could go out of business and are to enter a period of exclusivity with World Soccer Holdings – giving both parties a window to finalise a deal and to give the investor the opportunity to do its due diligence. 

In a statement on the club’s website, it said World Soccer Holdings have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase the side – with the deal subject to shareholder approval of the resolutions to create shares on the 7 March 2024.  

Rochdale chairman Simon Gauge said: “We are delighted to receive the LOI from World Soccer Holdings. Investment in the club is essential for our survival, and World Soccer Holdings tick so many of the boxes that we have been looking for in an investor. 

“They have a track record in sporting investments and have a long-term sporting plan for the club and come with expertise in the field. We look forward to engaging with them, shareholders, local politicians, and suppliers to meet the conditions that are required to conclude the sale of the club.” 

World Soccer Holdings’ chief executive Scott Dyer added: “We are really pleased to be moving forward with investment in Rochdale AFC. 

“We have great respect and admiration for the history and the culture of the club, and we are grateful for the hard work and sacrifices undertaken by both the staff and board and the supporter’s trust to make this partnership possible. 

“We look forward to engaging now with the Dale Trust to answer any questions that they may have regarding our investment and with local politicians to gauge the level of support we can expect to receive to support our investment in RAFC.

“We could not let 100 years of history go to waste, and we believe we can work together to elevate The Dale back to its previous heights and beyond. We look forward to visiting Rochdale for the game on the 9 March against Oxford City.”