Former Portsmouth and Leicester Owner Milan Mandarić Dies Aged 87

Tributes have poured in for former football club owner Milan Mandarić, who has died aged 87 following a short illness.

The Serbian-American businessman, best known for rescuing Portsmouth from administration and guiding the club into the Premier League, also held ownership roles at Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday, leaving a lasting mark on English football.

In a statement released via Portsmouth’s official website, Mandarić’s family said:

“The family of Milan Mandarić are deeply saddened to announce his passing earlier today in a Belgrade hospital following a short illness.

Milan will be fondly remembered as chairman and owner of Portsmouth, Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday in the UK, along with a number of US and European clubs.

His love for football was only surpassed by that for his family; he will be sadly missed by his two daughters and three grandchildren. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time.”

A Transformative Figure at Portsmouth

Mandarić bought Portsmouth out of administration in 1999, ushering in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. Under manager Harry Redknapp, Pompey secured promotion to the Premier League in 2003, ending a 15-year top-flight absence.

He remained at the helm until 2006, when he sold the club but continued to maintain close ties with its supporters. Speaking during a visit to Fratton Park in September 2024, Mandarić said:

“I will never forget that time at Portsmouth – the greatest time in my life.

When people ask me about my favourite club, I don’t have to think about it – it’s Portsmouth. I fell in love with the affection their supporters have for the team. It’s unbelievable how much they care. I helped their club because I wanted to make them happier.”

Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday Tenures

After leaving Portsmouth, Mandarić completed a takeover of Leicester City in 2007. During his time as chairman, the Foxes won the League One title under Nigel Pearson, before he sold the club to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his King Power group.

Leicester paid tribute in a statement:

“All at Leicester City Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of our former chairman Milan Mandarić.

Milan brought passion and charisma to the club between 2007 and 2010, a period which included a League One title win.”

Mandarić later returned to English football in December 2010, purchasing Sheffield Wednesday, a club then facing severe financial challenges. The South Yorkshire side said his arrival “rescued the Owls from a period of distress” and “brought new light into Hillsborough.”

During his five-year tenure, he oversaw the club’s promotion to the Championship in the 2011–12 season, helping stabilise Wednesday both on and off the pitch.

Later Years

Following his time in England, Mandarić remained active in football administration. He became involved with Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia before later serving as vice-president of FK Vojvodina, the top-flight Serbian club from his hometown of Novi Sad.

Despite his many ventures, his deep affection for Portsmouth endured throughout his life — a testament to the bond he forged with the club’s passionate supporters and the city that embraced him.