Cliftonville Members Approve £3m Toronto Investment Group Takeover

Cliftonville members have voted to approve a £3m takeover by Toronto Investment Group, clearing the required threshold after a long-running process over the club's future. BBC Sport reports that 81% supported the special resolution at Monday's extraordinary general meeting, above the 75% majority needed for it to pass. BBC Sport reported the result after the meeting concluded on Monday evening.

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The resolution authorises Cliftonville's board of directors to complete an investment agreement with the Canadian consortium. In its statement following the vote, the club thanked members for attending, examining the transaction structure presented by its legal representatives and participating in what it described as a historic decision for Ireland's oldest football club.

The outcome follows an earlier phase of negotiations that appeared close to producing a deal last year. Then-chairman Kieran Harding had received permission from members to enter talks, but later paused the process. Toronto Investment Group subsequently stepped back, and in January it removed its offer from consideration.

The proposal returned to the agenda in June, when members voted at another extraordinary general meeting to allow the management committee to begin formal negotiations with the group. The latest ballot, tabled by current chairman Kevin Crossan, moved the process from negotiating authority to approval of the takeover itself.

Cliftonville said it now looks forward to working with Toronto Investment Group figures Drew Green, John Muffolini, Ron Davidson and Conor Devine. According to BBC Sport, the consortium has promised transfer funding for manager Jim Magilton's team and intends to move the club to a full-time operating model. Stadium redevelopment has also been proposed as part of its plans.

The ownership change comes as Cliftonville have won their opening two games of the league season. The vote settles the central question that had remained unresolved through the pauses, withdrawal and renewed talks, although the board must still complete the approved investment agreement. The reported 81% mandate gives that board clear member authority to finalise the transaction with Toronto Investment Group.