Reading ownership nightmare finally over after Dai Yongge sells club to Rob Couhig

Reading ownership nightmare finally over after Dai Yongge sells club to Rob Couhig

Rob Couhig purchased Reading from Dai Yongge, bringing an end to the Chinese tycoon’s stormy rule. The 76-year-old former Wycombe owner, Couhig, has purchased the League One team together with their training facility and stadium.

Reading and their fans were wished “a successful future following a difficult period for all associated with the club,” according to the English Football League. The EFL has officially approved a contract that had been negotiated for several weeks.

In addition to his business partner Todd Trosclair joining the board, US-based Couhig has been appointed chair. Last year, Couhig attempted to purchase Reading, but the transaction fell through in September 2024.

Redwood Holdings Ltd., a division of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Couhig and Trosclair, has acquired Reading. According to a club release, Redwood is committed to helping the team regain its proper position in the English football hierarchy while upholding the fundamental values of integrity, openness, and long-term viability.

Dai cut funding for Reading Women, which led to their withdrawal from the second division last summer, and in March he was disqualified as an owner by the EFL and given a deadline to sell the club due to business activity in China. According to a statement from the supporters’ campaign group Sell Before We Dai, “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership.

It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.” Reading has been docked 18 points over the last three seasons, during which the team has also been subject to a series of embargoes for nonpayment.

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