Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has just a 41 per cent stake in the club, according to the latest reports.
The Athletic claims the Swiss-French billionaire owns 'less than a majority shareholding' with Stewart Donald retaining a 34 per cent stake in the club.
In response to questions put to the club by The Athletic , Sunderland revealed a breakdown of the shareholdings, with Juan Sartori holding 20 per cent and Charlie Methven also retaining five per cent.
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The breakdown of shares mean the previous ownership group owns a greater combined shareholding that Louis-Dreyfus, but the club have stressed that the 25-year-old remains the ley decision maker at the Stadium of Light.
Louis-Dreyfus is approaching his first anniversary in charge on Wearside, but has come under increased pressure from fans to be transparent about the ownership breakdown after Methven was spotted at a number of Sunderland away games this season.
Fans have made their feelings clear towards their previous ownership, but the latest report on the breakdown of shares will not alleviate any of that concern over who is calling the shots.
While the club remain adamant this does not affect day-to-day proceedings, the previous ownership group would have a say on any financial decisions the club make, given they have financial responsibilities of their own.
Ahead of a quarterly meeting with supporters tomorrow, Louis-Dreyfus said: “As previously stated, I have executive control of the running of the football club — something that was a fundamental requirement upon the purchase of my shares — and the executive management team inclusive of Steve Davison and Kristjaan Speakman report directly into me on a day-to-day basis.
“All major strategic decisions relating to the running of the club continue to be taken by the board of directors, compromising of myself, Maurice Louis-Dreyfus, David Jones, Steve Davison, Igor Levin, Patrick Treuer, Juan Sartori and Simon Vumbaca.
“Over the past 12 months, SAFC has required significant shareholder funding as part of our ongoing investment within the club and as a result of the lasting financial challenges from the pandemic.
“Substantial investment will continue to be required moving forward to ensure we fulfil our collective objectives and all shareholders remain wholly committed to honouring their respective financial obligations.”
