Serie B Side Bari Purchased By Malaysian Businessman Noordin Ahmad

Malaysian businessman Noordin Ahmad bought Italian Serie B side Bari, according to ESPN. In a statement released by the club, it was confirmed that a "preliminary agreement was made" on April 8 when Noordin acquired a 50% stake of the club. Bari President Gianluca Paparesta, who owns a 95% stake, "communicated the sale to board members." Four days before the discussions were held, "a Malaysian flag was spotted hanging from the terraces" during Bari's home game against Cesena at the San Nicola Stadium, "fuelling speculation of an impending takeover." Bari is currently in third place in Serie B on 57 points from 35 games, "on course for the promotion playoffs for a spot in Serie A." Nicknamed the Galletti, Bari once "held the British football transfer record" for the purchase of former England midfielder David Platt for £5.5M from Aston Villa in '91 (ESPN, 4/13).