Malaysian businessman becomes second-largest individual shareholder of AFC Wimbledon

Ananth S. Nathan became the International President of AFC Wimbledon after undertaking a leading investment in the EFL League Two club.

The Malaysian businessman's investment saw him take the second-largest individual share in AFCW Plc, the holding company of AFC Wimbledon Ltd, AFCW Stadium Ltd, AFC Wimbledon Women, and The Wider Interests of Football Limited.

He joined fellow countrymen Tony Fernandes (Queens Park Rangers) and Vincent Tan (Cardiff City) in having shares in football clubs in the United Kingdom.

"The strong community spirit on the revival of the club was an important catalyst of this investment," Ananth said.

"It never crossed my mind as an investment, I did it because I love football and the romantic history of the club.

"When I went through the museum here at Plough Lane, I had goosebumps. That's the effect I want to create in Malaysia. So, when the opportunity came, I had to put my name in."

?????????: ??? ????????????? ????????? Ananth S. Nathan is a Malaysian businessman currently investing in our club’s future ?? Here he discusses: ? Why he Invested ? His Vision ? Esports ➕ Much More#AFCW ??https://t.co/A14FUUySUY

— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) October 6, 2022

He stated his ambitions to have the Dons play against national teams of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and other nations of the region, as well as develop a Wimbledon Academy in Asia to help build player depth and experience across the club and national team.

Ananth, who is also president of the Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF), also expressed his vision to establish the famous Plough Lane stadium as a leading home of esports.

"I would like to see how we can add value with a Wimbledon Esports Division. According to reports, the global gaming market was valued at USD173 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach USD314 billion by 2027. That is something we should look to capitalise on," he added.