Sunderland hero who helped with Premier League promotion dies as membership points assertion
Sunderland AFC has paid tribute to non-executive director Patrick Treuer, who has died at the age of 52. The club confirmed his passing in a statement on December 25
Sunderland AFC has issued a moving tribute to non-executive director Patrick Treuer who has died at the age of 52.
The club declared that Treuer will be “greatly missed” following his pivotal contribution to their journey from League One to the Premier League. The announcement came on December 24 when the Louis Dreyfus Company disclosed that its chief financial officer (CFO) had died unexpectedly during the night.
The 52-year-old became part of the Black Cats’ board of directors in 2021, taking over from Angela Lowes as finance director after Kyrell Louis-Dreyfus arrived. Treuer was appointed as a non-executive director alongside Igor Levin, who serves as a legal representative for the Louis-Dreyfus family.
In a statement issued on December 25, Sunderland expressed: “Sunderland AFC is deeply saddened by the passing of Patrick Treuer.
“One of the Club’s Non-Executive Directors, Patrick had also held the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. since 2014,” reports the Mirror. “Patrick played an active role in SAFC’s journey from League One to the Premier League and he will be greatly missed.
“All at SAFC send their heartfelt condolences to Patrick’s family and loved ones at this immensely difficult time.” Treuer was amongst several non-executives serving on the Sunderland board, which features Levin as well as Maurice Louis-Dreyfus, Juan Sartori, Simon Vumbaca and Leo Pearlman.
In 2022, Louis Dreyfus increased their ownership in the football club to 51% following interest from cryptocurrency group The Fans Together.
The consortium had taken charge of the club 12 months earlier, with Treuer later joining the board after acquiring shares from Charlie Methven and previous owner Stewart Donald.
They declared at the time: “Today marks an important step as we continue to rebuild Sunderland AFC. Our ownership group has been consolidated and there will be no further sale of shares to a third-party buyer.
“We remain committed to our strategy of delivering long-term success and sustainability and together, alongside our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, I believe we can now move forward as one unified football club.”
Just three years after securing their controlling interest in Sunderland, the club bounced back to the Premier League following Regis Le Bris’ team’s victory over Sheffield United in the playoff final to clinch promotion back to England’s top flight.
The Black Cats have relished a superb season, positioned merely two points behind the Champions League places in sixth spot.
They resume their campaign on December 28 when they welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light for a 2pm kick-off.
