Cliftonville members voted overwhelmingly to reopen takeover negotiations with the Toronto Investment Group at Thursday's extraordinary general meeting. The special resolution passed with the required 75% majority, giving new chairman Kevin Crossan and the board authority to enter formal talks. This decision revives a deal that collapsed earlier this year when the Canadian consortium withdrew their offer in January.

The proposed takeover originally gained momentum 12 months ago under former chairman Kieran Harding, who secured initial member approval before pausing discussions. That pause led TIG to step back from the process, but renewed support from influential figures has reignited prospects for a sale. Former chairman Jim Boyce joined ex-players George McMullan and Peter Murray in backing the fresh vote, helping secure the necessary threshold.

Club officials confirmed the resolution authorizes the management committee to negotiate potential terms with appropriate professional advisors. The statement emphasized that any deal would serve the best interests of Cliftonville. Legal representatives from both sides will now engage to determine the next steps in this extended takeover saga.

This development could provide a significant financial boost for the Irish League side as they seek to strengthen their position domestically and in European competitions.