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Ed Sheeran buys minority stake in Ipswich Town FC

News

Ed Sheeran has acquired a 1.4% stake in his hometown club Ipswich Town, becoming a minority shareholder.

The big picture: This investment deepens Sheeran's existing relationship with the club, having been the shirt sponsor for both men's and women's teams since 2021.

Ed Sheeran at an ITFC game at Portman Road
Ed Sheeran at an ITFC game at Portman RoadAlamy

Key details:

  • Sheeran purchased his shares through Gamechanger 20 Ltd

  • He will have long-term use of a personalised executive box at Portman Road

  • The singer will not join the club's board, as this is a passive investment

What they're saying: Sheeran expressed his excitement: "It's any football fan's dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity."

He added: "I'm not a voting shareholder or a board member, this is just me putting some money into the club I love and them returning the gesture, so please don't get onto me with signing suggestions or tactics to play!"

Club Chairman Mark Ashton stated: "For one of the biggest artists in the world to give us so much of his time and give the Club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one."

The bottom line: While Sheeran's stake is small, his celebrity status and genuine connection to Ipswich could provide intangible benefits as the club embarks on its Premier League journey.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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