Salford Red Devils confirm takeover ahead of start of the Rugby League season

Salford Red Devils have confirmed a takeover of the club by a business consortium just in time for the start of the Rugby League season.

The consortium, led by businessman Dario Berta, CEO of Matanel, an investment bank that specialises in real estate investment, have completed a full 100% purchase of the club after extensive talks with stakeholders from the Community Benefit Society (CBS) and Salford City Council.

Chris Irwin, former Chief Commercial Officer at Salford Red Devils and more recently Exeter City Football Club, has been appointed as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

In an official statement on the clubs website, it confirmed that the new owners have cleared all current club debt at the club, following a period of financial insecurity which saw restrictions imposed on the playing squad.

The club confirmed that there will still be a selection restriction for their Challenge Cup Third Round fixture against the Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday, but this will be lifted ahead of the first fixture of the 2025 Betfred Super League Season against St Helens the following week.

The statement said that Irwin had already met with the coaching staff and players and 'share their long-term vision which includes squad reinforcement, stadium redevelopment and club infrastructure.'

Dario Berta commented: “I’d like to express my gratitude to Paul King and the existing team within the CBS who have led the club in recent years from celebrating its 150th anniversary, a Betfred Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final, as well as navigating the club through tricky periods such as COVID.

“This is the start of a very bright and successful future for Salford Red Devils. I’m very proud to be involved, and with Chris at the helm, I feel like we have the perfect opportunity to build something special. Our focus and dedication now is to work together with stakeholders and fans to build sustainable success on and off the pitch for the long term.”

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added: “I’m very happy to welcome Dario Berta to Salford and look forward to working closely together to see an exciting future for Salford Red Devils, building on the successes of the last five years.”