Salford City Council has rejected a joint bid from football club Salford City and rugby union side Sale Sharks to purchase the AJ Bell Stadium.
Sale Sharks CEO Sid Sutton said: “We will continue to have a long-term home at our stadium, however we can confirm that following 18 months of discussions, our proposed bid to buy the stadium as part of a joint venture has been declined.
“We are now working very closely with Salford City Council to ensure we reach a robust agreement that allows Sale Sharks to both enhance and control the matchday experience for the benefit of our supporters, and benefit commercially from matchday activity.
“We have always maintained that taking control of the stadium is integral to the long-term future of Sale Sharks and that remains the case. But equally, we were clear that we wouldn’t proceed with any course of action until Salford Red Devils have secured a place to play.
“Salford City Council’s proposed agreement will enable this to happen while ensuring that the stadium remains the home of Sale Sharks.”
PREMIERSHIP CLUBS RANKED BY TOTAL DEBT:
#13. Exeter Chiefs - £13m
#12. Gloucester - £27m
#11. Northampton Saints £26.5m
#10. Worcester Warriors - £26.5m
Worcester Warriors flags fly in support of the club as they go through difficult times. during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Worcester Warriors and Exeter Chiefs at Sixways on 18 Sept 2022 Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#9. Sale Sharks - £30.9m
#8. Leicester Tigers - £31m
Guy Porter of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on 11 June. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#7. Harlequins - £33.7m
#6. London Irish - £37.5m
#5. Bath - £37.3m
#4. Newcastle Falcons - £39m
#3. Saracens - £40.8m
#3. Bristol Bears - £51.2m
#1. Wasps - £112.3m
