By Declan Harte | Source: Football League World
Charlton Athletic finds itself at the heart of yet another takeover saga as the League One club looks toward the future following a mid-table finish this season. With uncertainty looming behind the scenes, attention now shifts to Armenian businessman Roman Gevorkyan, who is reportedly leading the race to purchase the Addicks.
Charlton’s Ownership Struggles
The Valley faithful are no strangers to ownership uncertainty. Following a 10th-place finish in League One—secured after a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town—manager Dean Holden faces a summer of rebuilding. However, any significant progress could be stalled as takeover negotiations unfold.
Initially, a consortium led by former Sunderland owner Charlie Methven appeared poised to take control of the club. That deal, agreed upon in December 2022, fell apart in February after current owner Thomas Sandgaard backed out. Similarly, Marc Spiegel’s consortium failed to secure the necessary funding to finalize their purchase.
Now, Roman Gevorkyan, alongside other contenders such as Robert Platek, has emerged as a key figure in Charlton’s takeover saga. According to The Athletic, Gevorkyan’s interest may signal a major shift for the historic London club.
Who is Roman Gevorkyan?
Roman Gevorkyan is a prominent Armenian businessman with deep roots in football through the Noah Football Group, a multi-club ownership organization. Gevorkyan has built a growing portfolio of football clubs across Europe, including:
- Paris FC (France): Gevorkyan acquired a minority stake in February 2022.
- Siena (Italy): Competing in Italy’s lower leagues.
- FC Noah (Armenia): A rising force in Armenian football.
- Other Investments: Clubs in Hungary and beyond.
As the driving force behind Noah Football Group, Gevorkyan sees Charlton Athletic as a potential flagship operation within his network. His strategy focuses on promoting youth talent and unlocking sponsorship opportunities in underexplored markets, a model he has already begun implementing at Paris FC.
Gevorkyan’s tenure with Paris FC has emphasized player development and sustainability. Under his ownership, the French club has adopted policies aimed at nurturing academy prospects while strengthening commercial partnerships to enhance financial stability.
What Does This Mean for Charlton?
For Charlton supporters, the idea of new ownership is met with cautious optimism. Current owner Thomas Sandgaard has become an unpopular figure at The Valley, and many fans view change as a necessary step forward.
Gevorkyan’s extensive experience in multi-club football operations could bring fresh opportunities to Charlton. His existing network of clubs provides potential for shared resources, talent development, and cross-border sponsorships.
The Addicks are a club with significant history and a loyal fanbase, but recent years have been plagued by ownership instability and on-field struggles. If Gevorkyan’s ambitions align with his prior work—promoting youth players, building infrastructure, and securing long-term sustainability—Charlton may finally begin to see progress.
A Strong Candidate for Charlton’s Future?
While supporters will remain wary of any new ownership group, Roman Gevorkyan’s track record suggests a genuine commitment to football. His success with Paris FC and investment in multiple clubs demonstrates an understanding of the sport’s business and development needs.
The coming weeks will prove critical as Gevorkyan’s bid is evaluated. If successful, Charlton Athletic may find itself at the heart of an exciting new chapter, driven by a leader with the vision to unlock the club’s potential both on and off the pitch.