UIB launches Football Fund

Dubai: United Investment Bank (UIB) yesterday announced the launch of its Royal Football Fund across the Middle East and other emerging markets.

The fund, which has been established by the new Dubai-headquartered investment bank, aims to raise $200 million (Dh734 million), opening up a business activity which is traditionally closed to the investment community.

With a minimum subscription of $500,000 and a lock-in period of two years, the fund expects to an average annual net return of 20 per cent.

The Royal Football Fund has been created to provide investors with an alternative investment product that can contribute to the diversification of their portfolio in uncorrelated assets.

"This is a fund where high revenues are generated by the passion of fans," commented UIB CEO Raul Silva. "It is the passion of the world's football fans that drive football clubs to continuously invest in improving their teams."