Salford Red Devils release statement as takeover given RFL thumbs up

Salford Red Devils have released a statement to confirm their takeover has been formally approved by the RFL. The Red Devils have been in a holding pattern since details of the takeover deal being struck first emerged earlier this month, with the governing body needing to approve the acquisition.

As such, Salford have been operating under a sustainability cap, ensuring head coach Paul Rowley has been unable to name a full strength side so far this season. He named a squad made up of £1.2m worth of talent for the clash with Midlands Hurricanes in the Challenge Cup.

However the head coach named a side made up of reserves and academy talent to take on St Helens in round one of Super League and it resulted in the club being handed a record breaking 82-0 defeat. Since then the governing body has opened an investigation to determine whether Salford brought the game into disrepute.

Speaking on Wednesday, Rowley was in the dark regarding the takeover process and he was was unsure what team he would be able to name when the Red Devils host Leeds Rhinos in their first home game of the season on Saturday.

He has now had confirmation that he will be able to name his strongest possible squad, though, with the RFL signing things off and giving the takeover the green light.

A statement on the club website read: “Salford Red Devils are pleased to announce that the takeover of the club has been formally approved by RFL Commercial, following the completion of the final requirements.

“As such, the club will be in a position to field a full-strength squad on Saturday for the Salford Red Devil’s opening home fixture against Leeds Rhinos.

“The club is excited to welcome the Salford Red Devils community and enjoy the spectacle that will be the Happy Mondays, who will be performing on Matchday.”