Aston Villa owners V Sports in talks to buy controlling stake in French club FC Annecy

Summary: Aston Villa's ownership group, V Sports, is close to buying a controlling stake in the French soccer team FC Annecy. The two clubs already work together, sharing coaching tips and sending young Villa players to France to gain experience.

This official purchase will help upgrade Annecy's stadium and grow V Sports' global network. Their worldwide empire already includes teams in Japan, Spain, and the Ivory Coast, plus a friendly partnership with the Columbus Crew in the U.S.

For more details, see theathletic at nytimes.com/athletic/7264004/2026/05/08/aston-villa-multi-club-owners-annecy/ (opens in new tab)