Reading FC fan group Sell Before We Dai continues to protest against owner Dai Yongge and made a visit to London last week.
The group visited the home of absent Reading CEO Dayong Pang and the headquarters of the English Football League (EFL) with an electronic billboard on the side of the van to highlight the issues the club is fighting.
SBWD posted a letter through the door of Dayong Pang’s residence. The letter said: “Dear Dayong Pang, When we met you last December, we hoped we wouldn’t be in the same position 12 months on.
“Reading Football Club had cash-flow challenges when we met you and there was a genuine fear that several first-team players would be sold during the upcoming January transfer window.
“Nothing has changed – despite it now being more than 400 days since the club was supposedly put up for sale.
“You also stated that Mr Dai is committed to funding the club until the completion of a takeover. However, Couhig’s consortium seemed to be keeping us afloat during the summer and the club may be relying on sell-on clauses and instalments from players sales at this point.
“Are you willing to confirm whether Mr Dai and Dai Xiu Li are willing to sell the football club?
“We appreciate that sales don’t happen overnight, but we are increasingly concerned about the future of Reading FC, especially considering the whistleblower’s comments and how long the sale has taken.
“Last December, you claimed that the club was unlikely to go into administration, partly due to reputational reasons.
“Unfortunately, we are edging closer to that outcome unless a takeover materialises, and with every day that goes by without a sale, Mr Dai’s reputation is only being driven further into the ground.
“We call on you to speak directly – and at length – to concerned supporters.
“Fans haven’t heard from you specifically since your brief talkSPORT interview back in January, this is why we have visited you today to post this letter.
“Supporters also remain deeply concerned about the prospect of player sales during the upcoming transfer window – thereby weakening a highly performing but stretched squad.
“Another fire sale would risk ruining the excellent start the current squad has made to the 2024/25 campaign.
“Currently, Reading FC remains attractive to prospective buyers, and much of that is due to our on-field success.
“Selling any players would throw that into jeopardy, risking a relegation battle that would cripple the club and make it a far less valuable asset. The downsides of player sales far outweigh any upsides.
“A sale is paramount to the future of this 152-year-old football club, which its loyal supporters will do anything to protect. For the sake of all parties, it must happen as quickly as possible.”
