Brentford FC
Brentford have received new investment through British philanthropist and businessman Gary Lubner and British filmmaker Sir Matthew Vaughn, who have become minority shareholders at the club.
South African-born Lubner is the founder of This Day Foundation and is the former chief executive of glass repair company Belron.
Vaughn founded MARV studios and is behind films such as the Kingsman franchise, Kick-Ass, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Matthew Benham remains the club’s majority shareholder, having taken full control of Brentford FC in 2012 and overseen their rise to the Premier League.
Vaughn said: “My journey with Brentford began 25 years ago when an actor suggested it would be a ‘great club to invest in’ and I’ve followed their progress ever since with well-earned respect.
“Some years later, an agent made the same suggestion and so I went to a game, and it was the most unique, intimate, and yet epic, match I had ever been to. As he showed me around the stadium and introduced me to the brilliant owner and exceptional management team, all I could hear was the voice of the actor who first told me about the club echoing in my head, saying ‘you should have listened to me, it would have been much cheaper 25 years ago!’
“There is a uniquely universal respect for this club in the football world, and I too share in this admiration deeply. So here I am, embarking on a new chapter of my life where I will give my all to help build on the amazing foundations that have been laid on and off the pitch.”
Lubner said: “I am a strong believer in the power of sport to build and unite communities and I have been hugely impressed by the values on which this great club has been established and continues to thrive.
“Brentford stands for more than just football. Its commitment to community, integrity, and social progress reflects the values I care deeply about.
“I’m proud to support a club where success on the pitch goes hand in hand with meaningful impact off it – especially through the incredible work of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, which changes lives every day across west London.
“I look forward to helping grow and develop this work, and contributing to Brentford’s continued success, on and off the pitch.”