China’s Xia completes Aston Villa takeover

China’s Tony Xia completed his takeover of relegated former Premier League side Aston Villa on Tuesday after passing the English Football League’s owners and directors test.

Xia, whose Chinese name is Xia Jiantong, purchased Villa last month for a reported $87 million (77.6 million euros) from American Randy Lerner and has pledged to restore the club to its former glory.

“Aston Villa is delighted to confirm the sale of the club to Recon Group, owned by Dr Tony Xia,” read a statement on the Aston Villa website.

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“The completion of 100 per cent ownership from Randy Lerner has been rubber-stamped by the Football League.”