View: ENIC may leave Tottenham within weeks as ‘Major Project’ update emerges elsewhere
The future of ENIC’s ownership at Tottenham Hotspur appears increasingly uncertain as speculation grows about a potential Qatari takeover. ENIC International Limited currently controls 86.58% of the club’s share capital, with 70.12% of ENIC’s share capital owned by a discretionary trust linked to Joe Lewis’ family.
Daniel Levy and his family hold roughly 30% of ENIC, while minority investors account for the remaining 13.42% of Tottenham’s share capital.
Reports suggest that Qatar is just weeks away from finalizing a deal to acquire Tottenham. The Gulf state has made it clear that it aims to invest heavily in sports and transform the Middle East into a global entertainment hub.
Amid tensions in France, Qatar’s interest in acquiring the North London club has only intensified. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and chairman of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), has been the subject of an ongoing investigation related to the Lagardère affair.
Authorities have been examining whether Arnaud Lagardère attempted to influence a 2018 vote in his favor through QIA, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds shares in Lagardère.
Despite Al-Khelaifi’s assurances that PSG will continue receiving financial support, reports from L’Équipe on March 1 suggested that a major project, unconnected to France, would be announced in the coming weeks.
Given the increasing speculation linking Qatar to Spurs, this development hints at a potential acquisition of ENIC’s stake, which would see Qatari investors take control of the club. If the deal goes through, significant changes behind the scenes could follow, reshaping the club’s future.
Levy has reportedly set a valuation of £3.75 billion for Tottenham, a figure that Qatar’s investors could comfortably meet. If the offer materializes, questions will arise regarding Levy’s future at the club.
He remains deeply unpopular among sections of the fanbase, with many blaming him for Tottenham’s inability to achieve sustained success on the pitch.
Fans have watched other Premier League clubs flourish under new, more ambitious ownership, fueling their desire for a similar transformation at Spurs.
The 2024/25 Premier League season has been underwhelming for Tottenham, as they currently sit 13th in the table with 33 points and a goal difference of +14.
This position puts them just above Manchester United, West Ham United, and Everton, all struggling for form. With the club failing to meet expectations, pressure continues to mount on the current ownership.
A potential Qatari takeover would not only inject significant financial resources but could also bring a fresh vision for the club’s sporting ambitions. While Tottenham boasts a world-class stadium and infrastructure, the lack of silverware remains a pressing concern for fans.
If Qatar steps in, the hope is that the club will finally compete at the highest level, similar to the transformations seen at Manchester City and Newcastle United following ownership changes.
For now, Tottenham supporters remain divided between cautious optimism and skepticism. While some believe Qatari investment could provide the financial backing needed to challenge for major trophies, others worry about the long-term implications of state-backed ownership.
As speculation intensifies, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining the club’s future direction.