Salisbury FC’s board of directors and shareholders have welcomed a new investor to the Ray Mac, which will lead to a change of ownership at the club, pending approval from the FA and the National League.
The decision comes after the board of directors concluded that they had reached the limit of what they could achieve at the current level of the game Salisbury has now reached.
The new investment in the club will come from Ali Alhamad, a Kuwaiti businessman, through the UK-registered company Proleague Ltd.
Mr Alhamad has made multiple trips to Salisbury and the Ray Mac during the process, meeting members of the board and some of the staff and volunteers at the club, to start building a picture of what is required in the future.
In a statement, Mr Alhamad said, “I am incredibly proud to begin this journey with Salisbury FC and to become part of a club with such a strong legacy and passionate community. From the moment I first engaged with the club, I felt the warmth of its people and the ambition that lives within the team, the staff, and the supporters.
“My vision for Salisbury is long-term. I believe in sustainable growth, investment in local talent, and strengthening the club’s role in the wider community. Together, we will build a foundation not only for success on the pitch but for a model that engages fans, uplifts the city, and secures a strong future for generations to come.
“This is not just an acquisition — it’s a commitment. I look forward to meeting you all, listening, learning, and working side by side to achieve something truly special at Salisbury FC.”
Mr Alhamad is a Kuwaiti entrepreneur, technologist, and lifelong learner with a proven track record of success across industries ranging from manufacturing and real estate to blockchain and cryptocurrency. A PhD candidate and Oxford-certified Blockchain Strategist.
Brian Dutton welcomed the new investment, “I am absolutely delighted that Ali has come on board. Last season, I mentioned a couple of times that the football club needed to find fresh investment in order to be competitive at the level.
“The Chairman, Ian Hammond, and his family have been outstanding custodians of this football club, and we’ve all been incredibly lucky to have had their commitment over recent years.
“Ian was the perfect Chairman a manager could ask for, allowing me to do what I was good at without interference, backing me all the way.
“But it was unsustainable and unfair to keep asking Ian to foot the bill alone for all these years.
“Ali brings excitement, enthusiasm and a renewed feeling of hope to Salisbury FC. Having had several meetings with him, I’m filled with confidence that the club will reach its full potential.
“Obviously, there will be apprehension going into the unknown, but nothing in life was ever achieved without risk. From a manager’s point of view, it is the right time for the football club to be taken in a new direction.
“I look forward to working with Ali, bringing on board his fresh perspective, and building a club that can look to carve an exciting and successful path into the next season and beyond.
“Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who’s worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to achieve this outcome.”
Supporters can meet Mr Alhamad at this evening’s Fans’ Forum at the Ray Mac. Doors open at 6:15pm with the event starting at 7 pm.
Ian Hammond and other members of the board, along with Brian Dutton, will also be in attendance and ready to answer any questions you may have.
Please book your FREE ticket for the fans forum here –https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/
