American businessman Ellis Short has assumed complete control of Sunderland, the English Premier League football club has confirmed.
Short, who is president of Texas-based private equity firm Lone Star Funds, bought a 30% share in the club last September to become the majority shareholder.
'Even before today he has personally invested more in Sunderland than all previous chairmen, directors and owners combined,' chairman and former player Niall Quinn said on the club's website.
Sunderland, formerly managed by Roy Keane, narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League this season. They are currently searching for a new manager.
