Reading FC owner disqualified by EFL
He will be given a deadline by which to sell the club
Last updated 21st Mar 2025
Reading football club owner Dai Yongge has been disqualified as an owner by the English football league.
The EFL say the disqualification means he must sell the club within an agreed timeframe.
The court hearing where the disqualification came to light centres around a dispute between Dai and former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, who sought to buy Reading before a deal collapsed last September.
The EFL said:
"Following its disclosure in open court earlier today, the League can confirm that Mr Yongge has been recently disqualified under the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
"The disqualification requires Mr Yongge to divest his interests in the Club, and in the event that he fails to do so within the agreed timeframe, the League will consider all options available within its regulations to bring the matter to a conclusion.
"The League continues to work closely with Reading FC to progress a sale of the Club at the earliest opportunity, in order to end the current uncertainty surrounding its future for its staff, supporters and wider community.
The club say the want to resolve the issue with Mr Couhig.
Reading FC statement:
"The Club acknowledges the Judge’s clear indication that the parties should find a solution to the current impasse regarding the sale of the Club by way of its owners providing alternative security or a payment into escrow.
"To allow a sale to proceed, the Club looks forward to working with Mr Couhig to resolve this element of his claim.
"Mr Dai remains committed to working with the EFL to sell the Club and secure its long-term future."
The league is believed to have set a 30 day deadline from 4 April.
Once again the club's future survival hangs in the balance.