Several sources in Western Australia claim an initial down payment on the agreed sale figure of just under $10 million has yet to be paid, spurring suggestions the consortium, spearheaded by Melbourne’s Primeland group, could be on the brink of pulling out.
 
FTBL has contacted Glory CEO Anthony Radich to provide clarity on the status of the deal, announced by the club and the Australian Professional Leagues in mid-October.
 
It has been speculated that Primeland, who surpassed fellow Melbourne property developer Ross Pelligra in the bidding process, have been unable to enact their plan to attract further investors since being granted the licence, allegedly throwing into jeopardy the entire deal.
 
Placed in receivership in July following the departure of long-time owner Tony Sage, it’s understood that Pelligra - who also owns Serie C side Catania - offered the APL a dollar for the club, but committed to spending several million to restore it to former glories.
 
Brij, also chief executive officer of a Singapore-based sports management and private equity firm, was hailed as a saviour on becoming only the third owner in the club’s 27-year history.
 
He said last month after taking the baton: “We believe in the potential of football, the potential of the A-League and particularly in the potential of Perth Glory.
 
“We are honoured to have been handed this great responsibility, acknowledging we are just the third ownership group to lead the club in 27 years.
 
“At its best, Glory was a representation of Perth and WA, and we are eager to reconnect, especially with the fans, and bring everyone along for the journey in what we believe will be an exciting future for the club.”
 
If the deal has unravelled, the APL might turn back to Pelligra, who already had a management team including ex-Socceroos Vince Grella and Stan Lazaridis ready for go.
 
Inaugural owner Nick Tana, who remains a steadfast Glory fan, informed then APL CEO Danny Townsend during the bidding process that he would be “a last resort option” should the club fail to nail down a purchaser. That offer remains on the table.
 
If it is subsequently confirmed that another buyer needs to be found, either Pelligra or Tana could provide answers in a financial climate which has left the APL no longer willing to prop up the club it funded after Sage's cash reserves dried up.
 
Under new boss Alen Stajcic Glory have started the season with four points from four games and sit eighth on the ladder.