Statement Regarding Dundalk FC Acquisition Bid

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify several points regarding my recent proposed acquisition of an 80% shareholding in Dundalk FC. This is in response to comments made by the current club owner, John Temple, during his appearance on The Press Box Podcast on 22nd October 2024. Unfortunately, several of the claims made in the podcast were factually incorrect, and I feel it is important to set the record straight.

1. Claim: Dennis Lukens’ Investment Offer

John Temple stated that Dennis Lukens “came along and offered somewhere in the region of EUR 200 million.” This is inaccurate. Dennis Lukens claimed to have access to EUR 2 million to invest in the club. There was never any mention or suggestion of EUR 200 million.

2. Claim: My Offer Was Contingent on Lukens’ Involvement

It was claimed that my offer was tied to Dennis Lukens and that we presented a package together. This is untrue. My offer was independent of Lukens’. I had secured an initial investment of EUR 400,000 to inject into the club, and I extended Lukens the option to join later if he could secure the funds he claimed to have access to.

3. Claim: Denying Each Other’s Existence

John Temple stated that “shortly afterwards, both (Lukens and Greene) denied each other’s existence.” This is a misrepresentation. Temple contradicted himself when he later admitted that I told him during our meeting that I did not know Lukens well. It is logically inconsistent to claim I denied someone’s existence while also acknowledging that I had limited knowledge of them.

4. Claim: Lack of Investment Offers

Temple also stated that “nobody has ever come and said ‘we’re going to put EUR 100k into the club.’” In fact, I brought two prospective investors to the Bohemians game on 27th September—one flew from Singapore and the other from Canada. We sponsored the match as a gesture of goodwill. Following the game, on 2nd October, I contacted John Temple to express our continued interest in investing and requested updates on plans for 2025. Temple responded by indicating there was a lot of interest from other parties, and I interpreted this as a lack of interest in further engagement with us.

5. My Offer and Vision for Dundalk FC

My offer to Brian Ainscough to take over the club was based on advancing EUR 35,000 to cover wages on 16th September, followed by a EUR 400,000 cash injection from my own funds and additional investors. My vision was to create a tri-party alliance of strategic investors, the local business community, and the fans, aiming to build a sustainable business model. Over time, we planned to reduce our shareholding, returning the club to the local community, while our group retained a minority interest and worked on developing commercial and sporting opportunities through our global network.

6. Bid Status

As of today, any bid to take over or invest in the club is no longer active. After listening to John Temple’s recent interview, which included numerous inaccurate claims and misrepresentations, I no longer consider him a credible business partner. Moving forward, my efforts will be directed toward supporting fan-led fundraising initiatives to ensure the club is better prepared for any future financial crises.

I hope this clarifies my position and the facts surrounding my involvement with Dundalk FC. My commitment remains to the club and its future, and I will continue to support initiatives that promote the long-term stability and success of Dundalk FC.

Sincerely,

Donal Greene