Premier League club Burnley’s parent company, Velocity Sport Limited (VSL), has reached an agreement to acquire a significant stake in La Liga side Espanyol, marking a new chapter in multi-club ownership across European football.
In an official statement released on Monday, Spanish club RCD Espanyol confirmed that its majority shareholders, the China-based Rastar Group, had sealed a deal with VSL. The group, which also includes American investors, already owns English side Burnley.
“The Rastar Group, the majority shareholders of RCD Espanyol, have reached an agreement in the past few hours with Velocity Sport Limited, an English-based group which also has American shareholders,” Espanyol said.
Despite the deal, Rastar will not completely sever ties with the Spanish club. Instead, its shares will be incorporated into a new investment vehicle that holds stakes in both Espanyol and Burnley. According to Espanyol, both clubs will remain operationally independent under the new ownership structure.
“This business integration formula allows for the coexistence of two historic clubs that will operate independently, although they will be supported by the same financial group,” the statement added.
Espanyol fans have long expressed discontent with the club’s Chinese ownership under Chen Yansheng, particularly following two relegations from La Liga since Rastar’s takeover in 2015.
The acquisition comes at a time when multi-club ownership models are drawing increased scrutiny from football regulators. Earlier in July, UEFA demoted Premier League side Crystal Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League due to ownership overlap with French club Lyon. Both clubs are linked to American businessman John Textor, prompting UEFA to enforce its rules on conflicts of interest. Palace is expected to appeal the decision.
Espanyol will now become the second football club under VSL’s control as the trend of multi-club ownership continues to reshape the European football landscape.
