Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui denies link to Sheffield Wednesday takeover

Key Points

• Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui denies rumors of a Sheffield Wednesday FC takeover, calling the reports “inaccurate” and “without basis.”
• The Moroccan billionaire’s net worth has surged to $1.6 billion, fueled by a strong rally in Addoha’s shares and growth in the real estate market.
• Addoha’s $27 million housing project in Côte d’Ivoire is expanding the company’s footprint in West Africa, with 5,600 new homes planned for Greater Abidjan.

Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui has firmly denied reports linking him to a potential takeover of English football club Sheffield Wednesday FC. 

Sefrioui says no Sheffield talks

While he hasn’t ruled out an interest in owning a football club in the future, he made it clear that no talks or plans have been initiated regarding Sheffield Wednesday, contrary to claims circulating in recent reports.

Speaking through sources close to him, Sefrioui described the rumors as “inaccurate” and “without basis.” His response follows speculation earlier this week suggesting he was eyeing the Championship side as a possible investment target.

Sefrioui’s net worth hits $1.6 billion

Anas Sefrioui, the founder and chairman of Groupe Addoha, Morocco’s largest homebuilder, has made a return to the billionaire list after several years out of the spotlight.

This follows a strong rally in Addoha’s shares, driven by renewed investor confidence and steady gains in the real estate market. Sefrioui owns nearly 65 percent of the company, about 260.7 million shares, which has helped lift his net worth to an estimated $1.6 billion.

Addoha’s $27 million housing project in Côte d’Ivoire

The company’s recovery has done more than boost Sefrioui’s personal fortune. It’s also a sign that Morocco’s housing market is regaining its footing. Under his leadership, Addoha has been expanding beyond Morocco, including a $27 million affordable housing project in Côte d’Ivoire.

Backed by the International Finance Corporation, the development will bring 5,600 new homes to Greater Abidjan, part of a broader effort to grow the company’s presence across West Africa.

Property boom lifts Sefrioui’s fortune

Anas Sefrioui first appeared on the billionaire rankings in 2012, but saw his wealth dip below the mark in 2017 after a stretch of market losses. His resurgence in 2024 reflects not just the turnaround at Addoha, but also his staying power in North Africa’s property scene.

With business looking up and confidence in the property sector on the rise, Sefrioui appears focused on building homes, not buying football clubs, at least for now.