Sevilla FC Under the Spotlight: Understanding Oleg Boyko's Role

OneFootball, a prominent football media platform, reports that the name of billionaire investor Oleg Boyko has emerged in connection with Sevilla FC, a historic club facing notable financial challenges, including reports of unpaid players.

Sevilla FC has been beset by instability, largely due to persistent disputes within its Board of Directors. Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco, the club's president, has been striving to implement his management vision during a season marred by significant sporting turmoil. Conversely, the former president, Jose Maria del Nido Benavente, has been working to reassert his influence over the club by forming alliances with other shareholder groups, most notably the American investment firm 777 Partners. This Miami-based group holds stakes in several clubs, including Genoa, Everton, Standard Liege, and Hertha Berlin, and manages assets worth over €3 billion within the football industry.

The high-level power struggle at Nervion appears far from a resolution. However, the recent entrance of an international businessman, Oleg Boyko, whose personal fortune is estimated at US$1.4 billion by Forbes, has added a new and unpredictable dimension to the ongoing saga for Sevilla FC's shareholders. Boyko has a diverse background that extends beyond traditional business ventures. He is notably recognised for his philanthropic contributions to sports, particularly for his financial support of Paralympic athletes, an effort acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). His involvement in Sevilla FC introduces a new player whose influence could significantly alter the club's future.

Sevilla's Shareholder Dynamics

777 Partners holds an estimated 10 percent of Sevilla FC's shares, though the exact figure is unclear due to incremental stake increases through private purchases. Accusations suggest the Del Nido family sold shares to 777 Partners for personal gain. So far, the American group has cautiously aligned with former president Jose Maria del Nido Benavente in his bid to regain control.

Recently, 777 Partners has faced fraud allegations involving Sevilla FC shareholders, highlighting irregularities in their management of Standard Liege, including unpaid wages. Leadenhall Capital Partners has initiated legal action against 777 Partners in London courts, which could drastically impact their European investments and potentially isolate Del Nido Benavente.

Anticipation is growing that 777 Partners will need to divest some assets. Their 10 percent stake in Sevilla FC, valued at approximately €26 million, may already be on the market. Despite the club's recent poor on-field performance, its market value is expected to remain stable.

Oleg Boyko's €10 Million Stake in Sevilla FC

Recent UK reports reveal that 777 Partners obtained a loan from a private investor to acquire a stake in Sevilla FC. Billionaire Oleg Boyko is said to have provided a €10 million loan to the American group in return for a 5% share in the club.

Oleg Boyko, a businessman of Russian origin with Italian citizenship and Swiss residency, is the president of Finstar Financial Group. This international group of companies manages approximately US$2 billion in assets, focusing on technology and financial services.

Throughout his career, Boyko has made substantial investments in the financial sector, banking, IT, and real estate. He acquired a majority stake in Latvia's Baltic Trust Bank and invested in Rive Gauche, a perfume and cosmetics chain. His investments also extended to Hollywood, where he aimed to produce films featuring high-profile actors such as Scarlett Johansson.

Despite his significant professional engagements, Boyko maintains a low public profile. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, especially his support for Paralympic athletes through the Parasport Foundation, which collaborates with up to 25 international Paralympic committees.

In 2022, Oleg Boyko found himself subject to sanctions by Ukraine, Canada, and Australia over alleged ties to the Kremlin. As of today, Canada has already revoked its sanctions, and legal processes are underway to lift the restrictions imposed by Australia.

With 777 Partners currently facing financial difficulties and new developments unfolding, there's potential for a significant impact on the power dynamics within Sevilla FC, leading to uncertainty about the club's future. Nonetheless, Sevilla's loyal fans maintain their steadfast support, patiently awaiting the club's ability to navigate through challenges and achieve stability, both on the field and financially.