Since Paulie, the American head of Chelsea, took office, the team's management has been in disarray for a while. However, Pauli is ambitious and intent on expanding his soccer empire. Just this Thursday (22nd), he announced a major move - the official acquisition of Ligue 1 powerhouse Strasbourg. However, the news was not received positively by Strasbourg fans, who showed great dissatisfaction with the team's change of hands, with thousands of fans flocking to the club's headquarters, holding up protest banners and resolutely opposing Pauli's takeover.
Despite Strasbourg barely surviving relegation in last season's Ligue 1, the club released a statement on Thursday confirming that president Marc Kiner has accepted a takeover offer from Poly. According to The Guardian, the consortium behind Poly has purchased close to 100 percent of Strasbourg's shares for a whopping 65 million pounds ($650 million). Mark Keener will also continue in his role as president. However, the announcement triggered an outcry from fans, who gathered in front of the head office and pulled up a banner that read "Pauli is not welcome" in a spectacular scene.
