• Premier League

QPR take out £15m loan against club assets

ESPN staff
April 16, 2013
Tony Fernandes says he will stay with QPR even if they are relegated © PA Photos
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Queens Park Rangers have taken out a £15 million loan against all the club's assets, including their Loftus Road ground, as they prepare for what seems almost certain relegation from the Premier League.

Rangers are joint-bottom of the Premier League, having only recorded four wins all season - a statistic in stark contrast with their high spending, which included the signings of £12.5m Christopher Samba and £8m Loic Remy.

The West Londoners are owned by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who have not borrowed against the club until now.

However, the Guardian reports that, with an estimated debt of £90m, a change in approach has been taken that may leave supporters concerned.

The loan was secured with Barclays Bank in Hong Kong on the Monday after QPR's 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, although it is believed to have been agreed before then.

A spokesman for QPR said: "The club's shareholders have an ongoing relationship with Barclays, and both parties were keen to extend this relationship to include QPR, particularly in light of the club's stated plans for a new stadium development.

"Given the current financial climate, it demonstrates the clear backing the bank wants to give our shareholders and their plans for the club.

"The loan is personally guaranteed in full by the club's shareholders, who remain wholly committed to the club's short, medium and long-term objectives."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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