A "clandestine meeting" could shape the future of National Rugby League side Cronulla Sharks, according to Adrian Proszenko of THE AGE. Cronulla CEO Barry Russell met on Tuesday with Australian businessman Michael Ibrahim, who has "made no secret of his desire to purchase an NRL club on behalf of cashed-up Middle Eastern ruling families." Photographers "captured the secret gathering" at The Promenade in the Sutherland Shire. Russell and Ibrahim were "accompanied by an associate to discuss investment opportunities in the club." The meeting lasted only an hour, but the "ramifications could be huge" for the club. Sources said that privatization "could be the end game for both parties," although Russell insisted the conversations were "restricted to investment opportunities for the Sharks." Russell said, "I've got an open mind in what we do as far as sponsorship goes." Ibrahim has already attempted to purchase two NRL clubs. He made a A$12M ($9M) pitch to buy Manly. Ibrahim's attempts to purchase the St. George Illawarra Dragons have "also come to nought." Even if Ibrahim's backers and Cronulla officials settled on a price, there are "potential impediments to the sale." The club's members will have the "ultimate say" on whether the franchise is privatized (THE AGE, 7/11).
