Tony Bloom's Hearts investment voted through by FOH
The deadline for the circa 8,000 members to cast their vote was 5pm today and the Tynecastle club have now confirmed the results.
A landslide vote of 98.5 per cent sees the FOH pass the proposal for Bloom investing in the club and becoming a minority shareholder.
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Before it can be officially sealed it has to be ratified by the Scottish FA, whom it is believed the English entrepreneur has already held talks with. The club would also have to hold an EGM to officially rubberstamp the deal.
FOH's shareholding would be diluted to 53.6 per cent but they would still hold 75.5 per cent in voting shares.
Just 50 per cent of the vote was required to pass the proposal and so it went through with a landslide.
Of 6208, 6112 were in favour and 96 were against.
Bloom would get one seat on the board and it's understood he would place one of his associates in there rather than taking it himself.
A statement from Foundation of Hearts chairman Gerry Mallon reads: "I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation process. Clearly it is a huge majority in favour and this demonstrates - once again - the passion the Foundation members have for the club and their determination to see it move forward and reap the benefits of the financial investment.
"We have a wonderful opportunity now, I believe, to begin to tackle the challenge of becoming a disruptor of the long-standing status quo in Scottish football. It will take time, and it will require the continued – and indeed increased – financial commitment of Foundation members, current and new, to achieve this goal, but we have never been better placed to reach that position.
"Tony Bloom's decision to invest in Hearts was very much founded on the many benefits he saw at Tynecastle through the club being in fan ownership, not least its financial security through the level of our pledging. What a testament to you, the supporters, and what a moment to be able to build on this, increase our membership, and drive forward together.
"The consultation process was also a great demonstration of the power of fan ownership. Not for Hearts fans the scenario of waking up to find that a deal has been reached behind closed doors with some rich person to take over their club. Foundation members were able, as their right, to scrutinise the offering and make a decision, yes or no. That is the level of influence and power that we the fans now have here, thanks to you."
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