Dawn Group International Acquires English Football Club Tamworth F.C., Acquisition Supported by NIAR Holdings
Dawn Group International (DGI) has completed its takeover of English football club Tamworth F.C., the group's second club acquisition and a significant step in its expansion into the European football ecosystem.
The deal follows the establishment of Oklahoma United F.C. in 2024 and reflects the cross-border club strategy that NIAR Holdings supports in its capacity as strategic advisor to Dawn. NIAR's advisory mandate spans international sports expansion, capital structuring, and cross-border club acquisition.
DGI Founder and CEO Abdullah Ashraf will take the reins as Chairman of Tamworth. The 24-year-old American real estate investor acquired the National League side through his US firm, completing months of negotiations and securing approval from the Football Association, the English Football League, and the newly established Independent Football Regulator.
Ashraf wasted no time in making his intentions clear, setting out an ambition to lead Tamworth up into the Football League.
I'm exceptionally excited and blessed to be the next custodian of Tamworth Football Club. Previous owners Bob Andrews and Steve Lathbury have done amazingly well with the club over the past 40 years. Back-to-back promotions, the excitement of the 2024/25 FA Cup run, and stabilising the club in the National League are superb achievements. Now it's time to build on those successes and take the club to even greater heights, and I intend to make the dream of Tamworth playing in the EFL a reality.
Ashraf, who has pledged to be a regular presence at the club rather than a faraway owner, says he is impatient to begin planning for next season.
I will be very 'hands-on' at Tamworth and won't be an absentee owner watching on from across the Atlantic. I'll be flying over frequently to support the club and push forward my plans to advance Tamworth F.C. on and off the field. I hope to quickly become a familiar face in the stadium.
Ashraf will unveil his plans for 'The Lambs' at a press conference at the town's Assembly Rooms at 3pm on Friday, June 19, and will address supporters directly at a celebratory FanFest at The Lamb on Saturday, June 20, between 4pm and 11pm.
Tamworth is an exceptional town with a beloved football club right at the heart of the community, and we aim to keep it that way. To the club's amazing fans, players, staff, and to the town, I am genuinely honoured to be going on this journey with you all. Together, we will bring about a new dawn for Tamworth. Come on you Lambs!
Nathan Walter, President of NIAR Holdings and Executive Senior Vice President of Dawn Group International, said the new chairman would bring real drive and energy to the club.
Abdullah's passion for football is why he is among the youngest executives actively operating across both the North American and British football ecosystems. His work sits at the intersection of strategic finance, real asset development, and regional economic growth. His key ownership interests in Oklahoma United and now Tamworth are part of a strategic focus on sports infrastructure, club development, and long-term franchise value creation.
Ashraf brings a substantial business track record to the club, having acquired, disposed of, brokered, financed, and been directly involved in more than $250 million in commercial real estate transactions across the United States. He currently oversees a commercial real estate platform with more than $100 million in assets under management and active development.
Tamworth supporters are now set to discover how that expertise and experience will shape their club, their team, and their long-term future, as a new dawn begins for the Lambs.