According to a statement from Espanyol, Rastar Group, the majority shareholders, will transfer their shares to VSL, effectively becoming part of the new investment vehicle that will support both clubs financially. This business model allows for the coexistence of two historic clubs, each operating independently.
It is worth noting that Espanyol fans have expressed discontent with the current ownership under Rastar Group, particularly since the club's relegation from the top flight twice. Chen Yansheng, the owner of Rastar, has been at the center of this controversy since taking over in 2015.
Interestingly, this acquisition follows a recent European football governing body UEFA ruling that demoted Crystal Palace to the Conference League due to a multi-club ownership issue involving Lyon. Although the specifics of the VSL-Espanyol deal differ, it highlights the complexities of club ownership and its implications on the football landscape.