Keith Wyness shares ‘massive’ Leeds claim as Red Bull takeover edges closer
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Leeds United could face a “problem” after Red Bull moved to take over at French second-tier side Paris FC.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested issues could arise if the two clubs meet in European competition in the years to come.
Reports emerged last week claiming France’s richest man Bernard Arnault and Red Bull have teamed up to buy a majority stake in Paris FC.
The energy drink giants also took a minority stake in Leeds over the summer and own clubs in Germany, Austria and the Americas.
Uefa rules stipulate that clubs controlled by the same owners or directors cannot compete in the same European competition – a regulation which saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe place his stake in OGC Nice in a blind trust over the summer.
Wyness drops Leeds reaction after new Red Bull takeover move
Wyness backed Arnault and Red Bull, who have recently appointed Jurgen Klopp as their head of global soccer, to transform Paris FC into a superpower.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s Bernard Arnault from LVMH with Red Bull as a minority partner making this move in France.
“Could Paris FC and Leeds play each other down the road? They certainly could, and that could be a problem.
“But those are high-quality problems to have for Red Bull – and they’ll be solving that down the road.
“Let’s see where it goes.
“LVMH are making a lot of noise and they can be a big player in sport if they unleash the resources they have.
“Certainly, Paris FC have potential. They’re at the top of the second league, and there is every chance they’ll be promoted and we’ll have the Paris derby at last.
“It’s a big move for Paris, rather than having the PSG dominance.
“There’s a massive latent fanbase in the city, and having a French ownership will be big for the club.
“It’s quite a story in its own right.”
In other news, star man “wants to leave” Leeds after new twist.
For more Leeds United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.