Crusaders are staring at a new dawn after accepting a substantial investment by a consortium including legendary Liverpool striker Ian Rush.
It was revealed earlier this month that the IRAMA company, of which Rush is a key shareholder, were seeking to buy a majority stake in the club.
And members have now voted 236 to 36 to accept the proposal.
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It is hoped the transaction will be completed in May with the overall investment in the North Belfast club set to be in the region of £2.5 million.
A statement issued by Crusaders on their Facebook page said the overwhelming vote of approval was made at a “packed meeting at Seaview Stadium” on Thursday night.
The statement added: “Members voted 236 for and 36 against to accept the proposal for a substantial investment in Crusaders Football Club.
“The 75 percent threshold was comfortably met and the club will now instruct solicitors. It is hoped the transaction will be complete by May 2022.”
The ambitious move will see the Crues link up with 15 other Ian Rush Academies based in England and France.
The Shore Road club also hopes the investment will help with stadium redevelopment plans and provide links with football agents across Europe, Asia and Africa.
When the matter was first raised at an EGM earlier this month, Crusaders chairman Ronnie Millar said the move indicated the club’s desire to continue challenging at the top of the Irish League.
The likes of Glentoran, backed by British-Iranian businessman Ali Pour, and Larne, supported by online mogul Kenny Bruce, have all benefited from significant investments in recent years.
At the time, Millar said: “New wealth in the League is forcing others to reflect. The one thing that is certain is that standing still is not an option.”
Crusaders will now transition from a wholly fan-owned club to a shareholder model in which fans will retain a significant holding.
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