Reading FC fans ask: Deal or no deal, Anton?

Madejski was hoping to sell his remaining 49% stake in the Royals to Anton Zingarevich before the end of September.

But Zingarevich, through his Gibraltar-based Thames Sports Investment company, failed to meet the deadline and is yet to find the £20 million to complete his takeover, having bought 51% for a similar amount 16 months ago.

Royals fans are now growing increasingly concerned that Zingarevich is looking to sell on his initial stake to new investors, possibly to a consortium from the Middle East.

It would not be the first time Zingarevich and TSI’s Chris Samuelson have been involved in buy-out controversy.

In 2005, Swiss financier Samuelson promised a £30m investment by Fortress Sports Fund in Everton Football Club, which involved Zingarevich’s billionaire dad Boris. But they pulled the plug months later to the fury of Toffees supporters.

Despite repeated attempts from the Chronicle this week to explain the current delay, Reading FC refused to comment on the speculation.

Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: “Those questions are for the chairman.”

However, supporters are now fearing the worst and are seeking clarification from the club.

A statement from the Supporters Trust At Reading (STAR) said: “STAR is well aware of numerous rumours concerning this matter and has been in contact with the football club on issues relating to the matter for quite some time.

“Clearly the position is now at a delicate stage and we are awaiting urgent responses to a number of our questions before making further public pronouncements. Rest assured that the STAR board is working hard in looking to protect the interests of supporters.”

Reading FC last week said they remain ‘comfortable’ with the situation, and were confident the deal would go through.

Zingarevich has been living back in Russia with model wife, Katsia, since the birth of their first child recently.

He has not watched a game at Madejski Stadium since the friendly with Oman on September 7.