Malcolm Glazer, the owner of English Premier League giants Manchester United and American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died Wednesday, it was announced.
Glazer, 86, passed away early Wednesday, a statement on the Buccaneers website said.
Glazer purchased Manchester United in 2005, controversially saddling the world famous club with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt in a leveraged buyout.
Glazer’s stewardship of United has coincided with a glut of silverware – including five Premier League crowns and the 2008 Champions League title – and has also been the subject of sustained anger from Manchester United’s fan base.
Fans have complained that Glazer’s ownership model has forced United to spend millions of pounds servicing the club’s debt – money which could have been spent on the transfer budget.
But NFL team Tampa Bay paid tribute to its owner when announcing his death on Thursday morning (AEST).
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of owner/president Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning,” the team’s statement read.
“A dynamic business leader, Glazer helped mould the Buccaneers into a model franchise and one respected league-wide.
“Since being purchased by Glazer in 1995, the Buccaneers franchise has earned seven playoff berths, five playoff wins, and captured its first Super Bowl championship in 2002.
“Known among his league peers as a pioneering thinker, Glazer infused his team and employees with the determination and dedication to be the best in the NFL.
“Glazer’s commitment to building a championship organization has provided the foundation for continued success, on and off the field.”