'Issues to be resolved' in Cliftonville takeover

Cliftonville are eighth in the Irish Premiership table after five matches

Cliftonville say there are "clear gaps and outstanding issues to be resolved" in an update about a proposed takeover of the Irish Premiership club.

Club members voted to accept a proposal from the Toronto Investment Group [TIG] in April.

However, progress on finalising the investment had stalled and Cliftonville held an extraordinary general meeting with members about the takeover on Monday.

"It became evident that there remained clear gaps and outstanding issues still to be resolved," chairperson Kieran Harding said.

"As a result, it was agreed that the board would appoint an additional legal representative who would engage with TIG's lawyers to explore whether a resolution to those issues could be found."

When the proposed investment from the Canadian consortium was first announced, it was felt it could see the north Belfast club move to a full-time model and make improvements to their Solitude home, where the men's and women's senior teams play along with the club's youth set up.

Harding told BBC Sport in April that TIG would own 90% of the club, whilst the members will have a 10% stake as the group were keen to let the members have a "voice" in the running of the club.

In a statement on Monday, Harding said that it was hoped a decision on the takeover "will be made within the next two months".

He added that the board was "focused on protecting the long-term interests" of the club and supporters.

"A new Board subgroup was appointed involving the Chair, two newly co-opted Board members together with two representatives from the Membership of Cliftonville FC," Harding added.

"The subgroup will provide oversight on the discussions and guidance to the legal representative.

"The subgroup will report findings to the Board before a final decision on the investment is made by the Members."