Indonesian Olympics boss linked with Erik Alonso’s Derby takeover bid

Now-defunct LinkedIn account claiming to belong to Indonesian Olympics boss Raja Sapta Oktohari sent messages to top football figures to put them in contact with would-be Derby owner Erik Alonso as takeover stalls over EFL’s wait for proof of funds

  • Derby County are in the midst of takeover talks involving Erik Alonso
  • The Spaniard, though, has been unable to provide the EFL with proof of funds
  • A LinkedIn account claiming to be Raja Sapta Oktohari had links with Alonso
  • The account helped people get in contact with Alonso to source funds
  • Oktohari has since denied reports he is involved in Alonso’s Derby takeover bid

A now defunct LinkedIn account claiming to belong to the president of the Indonesian Olympic Committee was used to put credible football people in touch with would-be Derby County owner Erik Alonso.

The Spaniard’s deal to buy the Championship club has stalled, with the 29-year-old unable to provide the EFL with proof of funds.

Sportsmail has now been shown a series of messages claiming to be from Indonesian entrepreneur and Olympics chief Raja Sapta Oktohari, contacting people within the game who could potentially help with the sourcing of funds for Alonso. The LinkedIn page stated Oktohari was a shareholder of Italian club Inter Milan.  

Sportsmail has been shown messages claiming to be from Raja Sapta Oktohari (second right), contacting people who could potentially help with the sourcing of funds for Erik Alonso (left)

Oktohari has since denied reports suggesting he is involved in Alonso’s attempt to buy Derby

Oktohari has since denied reports suggesting he is involved in Alonso’s attempt to buy Derby

In messages, he said he was an ‘investor in football clubs’. But when asked by one business person if he and Oktohari could have a conversation over the phone, the user replied that they were ‘busy’ and instead gave the number of ‘my partner Erik Alonso’.

Oktohari has since denied reports suggesting he is involved in Alonso’s attempt to buy Derby. He said last month: ‘The news is not true. I do know Erik Alonso. I knew him from boxing, not football. I don’t know what his motive is.’

One person who became involved in Alonso’s takeover attempt now believes they have been misled and has been unable to contact Oktohari to verify the original messages because the account no longer exists. 

Alonso has so far been unable to prove source of funds to the EFL in his attempts to buy Derby

Alonso has so far been unable to prove source of funds to the EFL in his attempts to buy Derby

Current Derby owner Mel Morris is looking to sell the club, with Alonso hopeful of a takeover

Current Derby owner Mel Morris is looking to sell the club, with Alonso hopeful of a takeover

Meanwhile, it is understood the EFL owners and directors test has ground to a halt after Alonso failed to provide proof of funds. One source said: ‘The ball is in his court.’

However, there are doubts at the EFL over the credibility of the takeover. Derby owner Mel Morris has also been alerted to such concerns and has been warned that he is wasting his time.

There is surprise among some that Morris has not publicly clarified the situation, especially as Alonso continues to post on social media as if the deal is a formality.

Sportsmail reported last week that the Spaniard attempted to secure a £20million loan with US lenders, guaranteed against Pride Park and other club assets. He denies this. Alonso says he believes the messages sent on LinkedIn were from Oktohari.