Italian Serie A side AS Roma could soon be "part-owned by the man believed to be the richest in China," Wang Jianlin, according to Ben Gladwell of ESPN. It was reported that Jianlin, "head of the Dalian Wanda Group," was keen on securing UniCredit's 39% part of Neep Roma Holding's majority 78% stake in the club. UniCredit did not "expand upon the stage of negotiations, and assumed an official stance on Sunday evening with a reply published by Italy's ANSA news agency" (ESPN, 11/25). FOOTBALL ITALIA reported Roma "released another angry statement slamming the 'shameful and embarrassing' UniCredit reports on Chinese investors." Roma President James Pallotta "had already reacted furiously to previous claims Chinese investors were in advanced negotiations to buy shares in the club, but this escalated." Pallotta: "Contrary to recent reports, there have not been ongoing negotiations between us and any potential Chinese investors. We are continually dismayed at UniCredit’s foolish and embarrassing promotion of false information in the media -- this is shameful and it hurts our team and our fans" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 11/24).
