Keith Wyness, the former manager of Everton and Aston Villa, has claimed that 49ers Enterprises and Red Bull are preparing for a “conflict” at Leeds United.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO of Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and Aston Villa from 2016 to 2018, and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, claimed that the energy drink company’s investment has resulted in “too many voices” in the boardroom.
Leeds stated last week (30 May) that Red Bull has acquired a minority ownership share in the club, providing significant monetary investment.
They will also become the front-of-shirt sponsor at Elland Road in a multi-year agreement.
Red Bull is an experienced football operator that owns five clubs globally, including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.
Wyness predicts a clash between the 49ers and Red Bull at Leeds. The team has confirmed that its name and badge would remain unchanged.
They will also become the front-of-shirt sponsor at Elland Road in a multi-year agreement.
Red Bull is an experienced football operator that owns five clubs globally, including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.
Wyness predicts a clash between the 49ers and Red Bull at Leeds.
The team has confirmed that its name and badge would remain unchanged.
“But Leeds has brought in the 49ers, Will Ferrell has come in as a minority investor, golfers are shareholders, and now Red Bull has joined.
“That strikes me as a bit of an issue. You’re starting to have too many voices and cooks in the kitchen.
“In particular, I believe Red Bull have more experience than the 49ers.
“Conflict may arise when making crucial decisions in the future. When these things first start, they always appear to be in sync – until they disagree on some decisions.
“Red Bull has the expertise and knowledge, and there may be some confrontation down the line in Leeds.
“They could be a hard bunch to handle, particularly when the pressure moments come in the race for promotion.”
