Tony Jimenez

Tony Jimenez (born December 1962 in Brixton, London, England) is an international businessman known for his involvement in European football. He was born in Spain(as well as London?) and has also lived in Cyprus and Dubai, where he oversees a number of property developments.[1] He has served as the vice-president in charge of player recruitment for Newcastle United and the co-owner of Charlton Athletic. He is a father and regularly holds fundraisers for children's charity, Variety Club.[2]

Newcastle United

Jimenez acted as a football agent before being appointed as vice president (player recruitment) at Newcastle United, owing to his extensive football contacts.[3] During his time at the club, he played a key role in completing deals for Jonás Gutiérrez, Fabricio Coloccini, Ignacio González and Xisco. Signing Gutiérrez is often labeled his biggest achievement, but his other recruits were less successful. Coloccini cost £9,000,000 and was part of the team that got relegated in 2008, and Xisco cost nearly £6,000,000 but only made nine appearances for the club in five years.

Jimenez left the club after manager Kevin Keegan resigned, and the club was put up for sale. In 2010, he took over Charlton Athletic with fellow businessman Michael Slater. He is still on the board.[3]

Since leaving Newcastle, Keegan has accused Jimenez of preventing midfielder Luka Modric's transfer to Newcastle. Jimenez denies the accusation, claiming that owner Mike Ashley stopped the deal. Keegan stated that Jimenez feared the player's ability to cope with the physical nature of the Premier League and did not want to take the risk. Jimenez hit back by claiming that Keegan also prevented a number of deals, such as the opportunity to and he went to go somewhere too sign Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri.[4]

Controversy

On 20 October 2017, Jimenez won a landmark ruling against the United Kingdom's HMRC over his UK residency rights. This ruling was overturned on appeal in March 2019. [5]

In August 2017, Newcastle United and Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley sued Jimenez, claiming he lured Ashley into a fraudulent £3,000,000 investment in a French golf course. Jimenez vehemently denies all accusations.[6]

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References
  1. Hytner, David (30 January 2008). "The fixer and the facts machine: unveiling Newcastle's odd couple". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  2. Matt Scott. "The troubled past of Charlton Athletic's decisive new owners". the Guardian. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  3. Muncaster, Michael (30 August 2017). "Who is Tony Jimenez and what role did he play at Newcastle United?". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  4. Noye-Allen, Rhys (27 September 2018). "Former Newcastle Executive Tony Jimenez Claims Owner Mike Ashley Refused to Sign World Cup Finalist". 90 min. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  5. R (oao Jimenez) v The First-tier Tribunal 2019 EWCA Civ 51
  6. "Mike Ashley sues 'trusted friend' over French golf course". The Irish Times. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
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