Monday 30 June 2014 11:31, UK
Co-owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has stepped down from his role as co-chairman at Sheffield United.
The 47-year-old, the grandson of the founder of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced his decision on Sunday after being appointed as President of the General Presidency for Youth Welfare (the equivalent of the UK's Minister of Sport position) in his home country. While he will remain co-owner along with Kevin McCombe, his day-to-day roles will be fulfilled by his advisor and his son. "It is an honour to be chosen by the King to fulfill this role," Prince Abdullah told the club's official website. "It does mean it will have an impact on the time I can give to being co-chairman although my commitment to the Blades remains unchanged. I am 1,000 per cent committed to the Club, its vision and determined to see it achieve its goals. "Serving on the board has been a highlight of my career. I am sad to step away for a time from active participation in club affairs, but my son, Prince Abdulrahman, will carry the torch for me on the board and my advisor and friend, Jim Phipps, will serve as Co-Chairman with my partner, Kevin McCabe." But Prince Abdullah, who has been co-owner since September, moved swiftly to reassure supporters that his appointment will not alter his commitment to the Blades. "Nothing else changes," he added. "Last year, we set serious goals for where we, as Blades, intend to take this club. Those goals and the resources to achieve them are still committed."
