
Salford Red Devils have been dealt a major blow regarding their stadium which could put the club on the brink of financial collapse.
The Red Devils have been teetering on the edge of a collapse for some time with their financial issues not going away, from their documented request for an RFL central funding advance late last year to the recent reports that HMRC are filing a winding-up petition against them.
Throughout that period, Salford have seen new owners come on board and the intent has always been for the owners to purchase the stadium from Salford City Council. That stadium deal would mean the Red Devils would no longer have to pay rent and that they could profit from the stadium and the advertising.
Salford City Council have now dealt the Red Devils a major blow by confirming that they have ended all negotiation with Jacobsen Management, the company of Saia Kailahi, one of those involved in the takeover.
In effect, the Council’s decision to end any negotiations with the club’s backers put Salford Red Devils in a very tenuous position with a successful stadium deal believed to be the watershed moment that would have brought about true investment into the Super League side.
Head coach Paul Rowley had previously labelled a stadium deal as a possible “finish line”, explaining: “In my head, and this is totally only my emotion and rationale, is that the middle to end of April is the proposed date for taking over and purchasing the stadium and to me, with that obviously comes funds.
“That’s the finish line that I set myself as a target.”
Salford Red Devils on brink of collapse after Council ends stadium takeover talks
Deputy City Mayor Councillor Jack Youd shared a statement from Salford City Council on his social media with the statement attributed to Youd and the City Mayor Paul Dennett.
It read: Salford City Council has formally ended all negotiations with Jacobsen Management regarding the future of Salford Community Stadium.
“Jacobsen Management were introduced to the stadium by representatives of Salford Red Devils RLFC – not by the council.
“It has not been possible for the council to progress negotiations and carry out a detailed due diligence exercise as required in a timely manner.
“We understand how difficult and uncertain this situation has been for supporters, staff, players and everyone connected to Salford Red Devils. We share your frustration and concern. Like you, we care deeply about the future of the club and the role rugby league plays in Salford’s sporting identity and community life.
“The council stepped in to acquire full ownership of the stadium to help secure that future. We remain committed to working with all our stadium tenants and partners to ensure the stadium delivers for the whole of our city – and to ensuring Salford Red Devils have a stable and sustainable home.”
Stadium Update.
Not the update I’d hoped to give but a necessary decision. I think club management have at all times have made decisions in good faith and I was as optimistic as they were. However a lack of any progress has resulted in this decision. 1/ pic.twitter.com/5hL8uSXMT4
— Jack Youd (@jackyoud90) May 15, 2025
