Kirchner given 5pm Friday deadline with takeover of Derby County football club in doubt

Chris Kirchner has been given until Friday afternoon to prove that he is in a position to become the new owner of Derby County football club.

The club’s administrators have also decided to engage with other interested parties as a contingency measure.

Contracts were exchanged between Kirchner and the joint administrators on May 16 but a deal is yet to be finalised.

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The English Football League said it is “incredibly disappointed” by the latest update and called for a resolution “as a matter of urgency”.

“At the time (of exchanging contracts) there were a number of outstanding issues, which have now been resolved,” read a statement from the joint administrators of Derby.

“However, certain logistical issues mean that completion has still not taken place. Accordingly, the joint administrators have taken the decision to engage with other interested parties as a contingency measure.

“The sale and purchase agreement with Mr Kirchner currently remains in place and Mr Kirchner has been given until 5pm on 10 June 2022 to provide satisfactory evidence to the administrators that he is in a position to complete, subject to EFL approval.”

Derby were relegated from the Championship last season after being deducted a total of 21 points having fallen into administration.

Kirchner’s ownership of the Rams has already been given conditional approval by the EFL.

While administrators Quantuma said there remains a “real willingness amongst all parties” to conclude negotiations, the league expressed frustration at the protracted nature of proceedings.

“The EFL is incredibly disappointed with this evening’s announcement by Derby County’s administrators that Chris