KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) president Datuk Ananth S. Nathan marks his venture into football as he becomes the second-largest individual shareholder of AFC Wimbledon.
The investment places Ananth among a select few Asian owners of European football clubs, which was one of the founding English Premier League clubs formerly known as Wimbledon FC until it was resurrected in 2022 as AFC Wimbledon.
Interestingly, Ananth has never seen the club play live.
He said the reason behind the venture was that he found that his own journey echoed the struggles and triumphs of AFC Wimbledon, which helped him form an instant bond with the passion and perseverance with the club.
“In 2010, I went through a tough stint in my personal and professional life. With the support of family and close friends, I persevered.
“Like a phoenix, my life rose from the ashes and I embarked on an upwards trajectory,” he said in a statement.
In 2002, Wimbledon FC, or known as the Dons, was controversially severed from its community by the decision of a Football Association commission and the club was relocated 70 miles (113km) from its home under a new name and ownership.
The devastating news resulted in a fan-led campaign that relaunched the club as AFC Wimbledon the same year, while the same passion was shown by fans when they rebuilt its beloved Plough Lane stadium in November 2020 through a multi-million-pound fundraising campaign.
Ananth added that he believes AFC Wimbledon’s story will resonate in Malaysia and throughout Asia, saying, “The strong community spirit on the revival of the club was an important catalyst of this investment.
“It never crossed my mind as an investment. I did it because I love football and the romantic history of the club.
“I got goosebumps when I went through the Plough Lane museum, and I want to create that effect in Malaysia.
“So when the opportunity came, I had to put my name in,” he said.
Ananth, who will also assume a new role as international president for AFC Wimbledon, also said his ambition is to combine his unique Asian perspective, and his extensive esports experience to build on the Dons’ legacy and fanbase.
Long-term plans include having AFC Wimbledon play against national teams of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as develop a Wimbledon Academy in Asia to help build player depth and experience and local clubhouses where people can watch the game live together.
Ananth also has a vision to potentially establish the famous Plough Lane stadium as a leading home of esports, building on the huge growth of esports industry.
“I would like to see how we can add value with a Wimbledon Esports Division. According to reports, the global gaming market was valued at US$173 billion (RM 815 billion) in 2021 and is expected to reach US$314 billion (RM 1.48 trillion) by 2027.
“That is something we should look to capitalise on,” he said
Ananth’s inspired investment also sees him take a significant share in AFCW Plc – the holding company of AFC Wimbledon Ltd, AFCW Stadium Ltd, AFC Wimbledon Women, and The Wider Interests of Football Limited.
AFC Wimbledon is no stranger to success. The club currently holds the record for the longest unbeaten run of league matches in English senior football, with 78 consecutive undefeated league games, as well as being proud winners of the FA Cup in 1988 having beaten Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley. – The Vibes, November 9, 2022
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