EFL gives conditional approval to Chris Kirchner’s Derby takeover

Chris Kirchner’s ownership of Derby has been given conditional approval by the English Football League after contracts were exchanged for the sale of the club with administrators Quantuma.

In a statement early on Tuesday, Quantuma said the sale is targeted to be complete by May 31.

Writing on Twitter, Kirchner said he did not “anticipate any issues” in seeing the sale through as he called it a “day I’ll never forget”.

Later on Tuesday, the EFL confirmed that while conditional approval had been granted, the deal remained subject to completion of further requirements, including over the lease on the stadium.

“The EFL Board has today given its conditional approval to the proposed acquisition of Derby County Football Club by the company controlled by Mr Chris Kirchner (9CK Sports Holdings Limited),” a statement from the governing body read.

“The EFL and 9CK Sports Holdings Limited have agreed the terms of a membership agreement which will govern the conditions attached to the transfer of the share in the EFL and which ultimately will see the club exit administration.

“However, its final approval is subject to Mr Kirchner completing on the asset purchase agreement and a deal being finalised in respect of a lease on the stadium by May 31 2022.

“The EFL will continue to work with the relevant parties to ensure the best possible outcome for Derby County, its staff, players, fans, and local community.”

Quantuma had earlier confirmed the exchange of contracts “for the sale of the business and assets of the club with preferred bidder, Chris Kirchner”.

The statement continued: “In addition, the joint administrators can confirm that in the interim period between exchange and completion, funding for The Club is being provided by Mr