Burnley Owners Expand Portfolio with Espanyol Takeover

The ownership group behind Premier League side Burnley, Velocity Sports Limited (VSL), has reached an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Spanish club Espanyol, the La Liga outfit announced on Monday.

In an official statement, Espanyol confirmed the deal with the English-based consortium, which also includes American investors. The club clarified that current majority shareholder, Rastar Group, will retain involvement through the newly formed investment structure.

“Rastar is not stepping away from RCD Espanyol,” the statement read. “Rather, its shares will now be part of a broader investment platform that will hold interests in both clubs.”

Espanyol becomes the second club under VSL’s umbrella following their ownership of Burnley. However, the Spanish side stressed that both teams will continue to operate independently despite the shared financial backing.

“This model of business integration enables two historic clubs to maintain their independence while benefiting from the support of a common investment group,” the club added.

Since taking control in 2015, Rastar Group and its chairman, Chen Yansheng, have faced growing discontent from Espanyol supporters, particularly after the team suffered two relegations from the Spanish top flight.

The acquisition comes amid increased scrutiny of multi-club ownership in European football. Earlier this month, Crystal Palace were dropped from the Europa League to the UEFA Europa Conference League due to ownership links with French side Lyon. Both clubs are part of the portfolio of American businessman John Textor, prompting UEFA’s intervention—a decision Palace intends to appeal.