Chris Kirchner: Man tried to purchase Derby County is facing fraud charges

Christina Kirchner

In the US, fraud charges have been filed against a businessman who attempted to purchase Derby County.

The club was on the verge of being taken over by Chris Kirchner last summer, but he was unable to raise the necessary money.

The 35-year-old was charged with wire fraud and accused of stealing $20 million (£16 point 6 million) in Texas after an FBI raid on his home.

He could spend up to 20 years in prison if found guilty, according to US prosecutors.

Mr. Kirchner is accused of wiring $20 million from Slync's bank account to his personal checking account. Kirchner was suspended from his position as chief executive of the logistics software company in 2022.

According to the US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Mr. Kirchner allegedly used the funds to support a "lavish lifestyle," which included a $16 million (£13 point three million) private Gulfstream jet and a $495,000 (£410,000) opulent suite at a close-by sporting venue.

On Tuesday morning at his home in Westlake, close to Dallas, FBI agents were seen taking several luxury vehicles out, including a Rolls-Royce. .

He could spend up to 20 years in federal prison if found guilty, according to the US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Derby County fans
The failure of the Rams deal was attributed by Mr. Kirchner to "difficulty transferring funds to the UK.".

Mr. Kirchner had been the favorite to take over Derby County after the team went into administration, lost 21 points, and was demoted to League One.

The English Football League (EFL) claimed to have obtained documentation from US and UK lawyers demonstrating "multiple sources of funding" during the bidding process.

After "further investigation into related matters," it stated that it subsequently withdrew its approval.

Supporters would likely be relieved if the deal fell through, according to football finance expert Keiran Maguire.

As he said on BBC Radio Derby, "I think Derby fans will probably take the view that they've dodged a bullet with Chris Kirchner and they're very happy with [current owner] David Clowes.".

"Things started to get worse as he got closer to the deadline, and there was prevarication after prevarication, so I'm sure Derby fans are heaving a sigh of relief.

"The proof of funds seemed very convincing. It does demonstrate that sometimes people are unable to fulfill their promises. ".

After withdrawing his offer to purchase Derby County, Mr. Kirchner had a bid accepted to purchase Preston North End of Lancashire, but the deal also fell through.

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