Selahattin Baki

Baki is an advisor to Saudi Prince, Businessman and Billionaire Abdullah bin Musa'ed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.^[1] From May 2001 to May 2005, Baki worked in Sales and Marketing for 'Antoine Makzume', an international sea transportation company.^[2] In March 2007 he was made an advisor to Prince Abdullah and in March 2009, Baki took on the role of Sales and Marketing in Nanotechnology for 'Saudi Environmental Projects Company'.^[2] In September 2013, Baki joined the board of Directors at Blades Leisure Ltd after Prince Abdullah bought at 50% share in Sheffield United;^[3][4] Baki soon revealed plans for Sheffield United to establish business ties with Saudi club Al-Hilal FC and Turkish club Fenerbahçe.^[5] In Summer 2014, Baki helped arrange a charity friendly match with Fenerbahçe to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Sheffield United with money from the match going to help the victims of the Soma mine disaster in Turkey.^[6][7] On 10 November 2014, Sheffield United announced that Baki had been appointed the club's International Football Co-ordinator with the duty to "utilise global contacts, assist in identifying overseas football talent opportunities and to bring in international sponsorships for the attention of the Club's management".^[8][9]

Baki is a lifelong Fenerbahçe fan.^[10] In Baki's early life, he was a football ultra and a senior member of the notorious football firm associated with Fenerbahçe called 'Kill For You'.^[11] In November 2013, Sheffield United defended Baki's past with Sheffield United PLC Director James Phipps stating "The prince is aware that Mr Baki is a fervent supporter of Fenerbahce and that, in younger days, the fervency of his support may have overcome his better judgement... Indeed, Mr Baki has built a reputation as a well-regarded, law-abiding businessman and has earned his place as a trusted advisor to His Royal Highness".^[12]