ndonesian media mogul Erick Thohir has officially become a part of Oxford United, a soccer club that competes in England’s third tier league.
Erick, the former chief of Italian club Inter Milan, joins Oxford’s chairman Sumrith “Tiger” Thanakarnjanasuth and new directors Horst Geicke and Zaki Nuseibah on the board.
“Erick is a very exciting addition to the board. He shares my passion for football and I think what appealed to him was the chance to contribute [to] develop the future for a club from a city as world famous as Oxford,” Thanakarnjanasuth said on the club’s website, oufc.co.uk.
“He is a leading businessman and has [been] extensively involved in entertainment, news and sports television channels plus digital platforms. I have known him a long time. Together with Horst Geicke and Zaki Nuseibah, they will be a major asset to this football club,” he added.
In response, Erick said “I have known Tiger for a long time now and as soon as he said he was looking to get involved with Oxford United I was interested in supporting him in some way. Most people know about the city but I was also interested in its football club.
“I have looked at their history – the 125th anniversary has really shown how the club has been at the heart of Oxford and how the fans have been part of building the club.”
In the world of sports, Erick is also known as a minor shareholder in Inter Milan as well as Indonesia’s Persib Bandung soccer club. He once also co-owned American MLS’ D.C. United soccer club through a consortium. (nkn)
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