The consortium is fronted by Bertrand and British technology investor Omar Mir, whose investment vehicle, Sloane Street Capital (SSC), would acquire a 34% share in AFCW PLC, the company operating the club. The proposal would begin with £16m on completion, followed by a further £71m spread across five seasons through 2030-31.
The Dons Trust board presented the plan to members on Wednesday and has recommended that they vote in favour. The final decision rests with the supporters, with voting scheduled to close on 17 November.
The proposal seeks to address the club’s need for greater financial resources without dismantling the ownership model established after supporters formed AFC Wimbledon following the original club’s relocation and rebranding. The Dons Trust currently holds 50.01% of the voting shares.
Bertrand, who won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League during his time at Chelsea, said the group wanted to support the club rather than alter its identity.
“AFC Wimbledon's story is unique in English football and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings,” he said.
“We are not here to change what this club is. We are here to help it go further on and off the pitch, for the men's team, the women's team and the academy.”
Under the proposed terms, SSC would oversee football operations, with Bertrand serving as senior football advisor, but would operate within budgets and processes agreed by the club board. The investor would take two seats on the 12-member board, alongside an observer position.
Supporter safeguards would remain central to the arrangement. The Dons Trust would retain veto rights over the club’s name, badge, colours, stadium and constitution, as well as control over the freehold of the Cherry Red Records Stadium at Plough Lane.
The proposal also includes protections if the investor fails to meet its financial commitments. If SSC misses a payment, its share of the club’s value would stop growing and control would revert to the club within three months. Should the investor later sell its stake, the Dons Trust would have first refusal and could block an unsuitable buyer.
Trust chair Angus Fox said the funding would give the club a chance to develop while retaining the protections members had demanded.
“The deal brings at least £87m into AFC Wimbledon over five years, while the Trust keeps a permanent majority of the votes, control of the Plough Lane freehold and a veto over everything that makes us who we are,” he said.
The BBC reported that the club had considered more than 20 potential investors before identifying SSC as its preferred option. Members previously backed the principle of external investment, provided fan ownership and control were protected. Their vote will now determine whether the proposed deal proceeds.