Kieran Maguire: Madrox have ‘eyes and ears’ on Sunderland board as ‘dramatic’ news explained
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is in charge of day-to-day decisions at Sunderland – but Madrox still has “eyes and ears” on the board of directors.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about dramatic developments at the Stadium of Light.
Louis-Dreyfus has been opaque about Sunderland’s ownership structure since he bought into the club in February last year.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday (15 February) that the 23-year-old has admitted he owns just 41 per cent of the League One club.
Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori, and Charlie Methven meanwhile own 34 per cent, 20 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
Maguire analysed the balance of power at Sunderland in light of the revelation that the Madrox regime still owns a majority share in the cub.
“There’s theoretical power and there’s active power,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“As far as Stewart Donald is concerned, he’s no longer on the board, he doesn’t attend matches and he’s aware he became a bit of a laughing stock.
“When Sartori was trying to promote his political career in Uruguay, he effectively put his shares in cold storage.
“In terms of day-to-day decisions, they are determined by the board of directors.
“Louis-Dreyfus has a degree of dominance there because he appointed a lot of the directors. So it’s quite dramatic, but not as dramatic as it initially seems.
“Methven and Donald aren’t on the board, although they do have eyes and ears there.
“But although Louis Dreyfus has a minority stake, he is able to significantly influence decision making.
“Even Donald himself might admit he isn’t the best person to negotiate transfers now. As for Methven, I can’t work out his motives.”
Sunderland are currently 4th in League One, seven points off the automatic promotion spots.
Next up for Alex Neil’s side is Milton Keynes Dons at home on Saturday (19 February).
In other news, Kevin Phillips issues “huge” Alex Neil claim after “meeting him a few times“.