Manchester United has reportedly decided to offer ownership shares in the team in an effort to win back the trust of its fans.
The program will offer a new class of shares that carry the same voting rights as those held by its owner, American billionaire Joel Glazer, who is also a co-owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A new fan advisory board will also be created to give supporters more influence over the organization, according to a Bloomberg report.
Shortly after Avram Glazer put $97 million worth of his Manchester United shares up for sale in March, the $4.2 billion club faced scrutiny over joining the short-lived European Super League.
Fans were outraged by the decision, protested, and rejected an apology.
“Actions speak louder than words, and he and his family have shown time and again that their sole motivation is personal profit at the expense of the football club,” the 200,000-member Manchester United Supporter Trust said in a statement.
The Glazers took over in 2005, when the team was worth $1.5 billion. Thousands of fans were forced to sell shares to the family in a “compulsory buyout,” per Financial Times.
Last week, Glazer attended the team’s forum for the first time in more than 15 years.
“Fans are the lifeblood of Manchester United, and I am personally committed to ensuring that they are given an enhanced vote,” Glazer said.
