MK Dons Sold: Pete Winkelman Transfers Club to Kuwaiti Consortium

Milton Keynes Dons: A New Era Begins with Kuwaiti Consortium Acquisition

Pete Winkelman has officially sold Milton Keynes Dons and the Stadium MK Group to a consortium led by Fahad Al Ghanim, marking the end of his significant 20-year association with the club. This transformational deal, which has left the club and stadium group entirely debt-free, comes after receiving necessary clearance from the EFL.

Winkelman’s Legacy at MK Dons

Since acquiring Wimbledon as part of a consortium in 2004, Winkelman established MK Dons as a new entity and has served as the club's chair ever since. His leadership witnessed the club's journey filled with both highs and lows, and he reflected on this rollercoaster in his farewell message to fans.

First Game of the Season and Farewell Message

As MK Dons gears up for their League Two campaign opener against Bradford City at the Stadium MK, which will be live on Sky Sports+, Winkelman will have the opportunity to bid farewell to the club he has nurtured for two decades. In his heartfelt message, he stated:

"What has become clear to me in recent years is that while I am so proud of Stadium MK and the sustainable business we've created, it can only support the development of the football club to a certain level, without separate and significant investment."

Winkelman expressed that after spending time with Al Ghanim, he was convinced that the new owner brings the ambition and resources necessary to propel the club forward.

Introducing Fahad Al Ghanim: New Chairman of MK Dons

Fahad Al Ghanim, the new chairman, has a diverse background across banking, investment, automotive, and real estate. His family owns Kuwait SC, a leading football club in the Middle East. In his statement, Al Ghanim emphasized his commitment to building on the existing foundations at MK Dons:

"Let me be the first to reassure you that my ambition is to build on the fantastic foundations already here in Milton Keynes, and to take MK Dons to the next level."

Commitment to Supporters and Staff

Al Ghanim assured fans and staff that no immediate changes would occur, emphasizing that the existing business structure would remain stable. The primary focus in the short term would be to strengthen the first-team squad to enhance the club’s chances for promotion this season.

Future Plans and Fan Interaction

In the coming months, Al Ghanim plans to assess various club functions, ensuring that any changes will benefit the already dedicated staff. He looks forward to engaging with support as they embark on an exciting new season.

How to Watch MK Dons This Season

• For Sky subscribers, watch MK Dons on the Sky Sports app.
• If you don't have Sky, stream MK Dons on your device with NOW.
• Catch live EFL 2024/25 fixtures on Sky Sports.

This new chapter is set to bring exciting developments not only for MK Dons but also for its loyal supporters. As they step into this new era, both Winkelman and Al Ghanim are poised for a promising future in football.