Ottawa president Eric Perez becomes Bradford chairman as takeover is complete

Drew Darbyshire 23 Oct 2019 7:59 AM

Ottawa president Eric Perez has become Bradford’s chairman on an interim basis, with the new consortium completing the takeover of the Bulls.

Bradford have confirmed that the sale of shares has been agreed between the new consortium and the old shareholders.

As part of the sale, Ottawa president and Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez will become the club’s interim chairman.

It has also been announced that Dewsbury chairman Mark Sawyer and International Rugby League chief executive Nigel Wood are on the board at Bradford.

Perez said: “It’s an honour to be working with an iconic brand like the Bradford Bulls.

“I am here on an interim basis to facilitate the transition between the new ownership and the old regime.

“I have been given special dispensation from the RFL [Rugby Football League] to take on the interim chairmanship as Hemel is dormant for the 2020 season, and this in no way undermines the Ottawa club that is slated to enter League 1 in 2021.”

The RFL have also confirmed that the Bulls are out of special measures, meaning the restriction of signing players has now been lifted.

In a statement released by the RFL, it read: “The RFL can confirm that following the submission and agreeing of the club’s operating budget for 2020 has been agreed.

“This means the element of special measures that restrictions the registration of player contracts has been lifted.”

The Bulls are still expected to play home games at Dewsbury’s Tetley’s Stadium in 2020.