Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has warned Alisher Usmanov that joining the board would create 'conflict'.
Ivan Gazidis says Uzbek billionaire would not be welcome on board
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has warned Alisher Usmanov that joining the board would create 'conflict'.
The Uzbekistan billionaire is close to owning 30 per cent of the club and has reportedly promised manager Arsene Wenger a huge sum of cash in order to improve his squad.
Usmanov has an agreement with American Stan Kroenke, who now owns 66 per cent of the club, which means he will not have to launch an official takeover bid if he does reach 30 per cent.
However, during a question and answer session with Arsenal shareholders and supporter groups, Gazidis intimated that the Uzbeki businessman, who is worth an estimated £11.8billion, is unlikely to be ever invited onto the board.
Changes
Gazidis said: "When I arrived three-and-a-half years ago there had been a lot of changes on the board and some degree of conflict.
"Since then we have worked hard to ensure the board is unified and has a common purpose.
"In terms of further additions, it is important we don't disturb that unity and create conflict.
"Ultimately, that is a board decision but that will be the critical issue - are we all aligned and facing the same direction?"
