Arsenal AGM 2017, RECAP: Arsene Wenger and board face questions from fans and shareholders on club's future

One date in the calendar always fixed in the minds of Arsenal fans is that of the club's annual general meeting.

The board and Arsene Wenger faced their latest grilling on Thursday, where the boss called on Arsenal's unhappy supporters to 'be behind the team' after a difficult start to the season.

There were plenty of other contentious issues put to the men in charge — and you can read them all below.


  • Matt Maltby

    Host commentator

13:21
That's all from me...

Thanks for joining me today for what was a hostile annual general meeting. 

13:20

JOE STRANGE: Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal's unhappy supporters to 'be behind the team' after a difficult start to the season.

The Frenchman was speaking at the club's annual general meeting at the Emirates on Thursday, at which some fans failed to oust chairman Sir Chips Keswick.

Wenger, however, chose to focus on matters on the pitch in his speech, insisting that his 'hunger is bigger than ever' despite continued calls for him to be sacked.

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13:14
AGM comes to a close

Loud jeers as Keswick brings the meeting to a close. Three questions from the floor - none of them actually answered - and it's a hostile atmosphere. 

There's a few claps but the shareholders want more time to get their views across - sadly they aren't going to get it. 

Keswick said: 'I think you are getting very angry so there is no point continuing.

'Please write in if you've got a problem.'

13:10
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

Star of the show: Sir Chips!

13:07
Shareholders aren't happy...

Fury is really growing at Keswick - boos as he cuts off questions from floor after only three.

13:03
Gazidis on Wenger and club's targets

There's plenty of questions on Wenger, his future, and what the club are doing in their bid to end their long wait for a Premier League title. 

'We do have targets every year but they are not discussed in public. To do so only fuels speculation when we need to focus on critical games for the club.

'He has been given a new two-year deal in the belief that he has the experience, quality and values to lead us to success with the right support.

'We want to compete at the top and win more trophies and make more history for our football club.'

13:00
Gazidis on Wenger's situation last season:

Arsene Wenger penned a new two-year deal ahead of the current season despite fan unrest. 

'We are always learning from our experiences.

'Arsene has new two-year deal in the belief that he has the experience, values and quality.'

But Gazidis refuses to publicly announce any information over Wenger's future at the end of current deal.

12:57
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

When asked about Sanchez and Ozil's contract debacle, Gazidis argues that the fact they were allowed to stay in the final year of their contracts rather than being sold flies in the face of the stereotype that Arsenal are money motivated. Fans simply not buying it.

12:56
Gazidis on players running down contracts

Arsenal have come under heavy scrutiny for allowing star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to enter the final year of their contracts.

'Those on the outside don't know the dynamics or demands being made.

'Decisions on Alexis and Ozil do not fit the narrative that we put money first. Taken stance as best chance to compete for trophies.'

12:54
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

Gazidis essentially blaming media for the angst over the club's transfer policy. Ok then...!

12:54
Gazidis is now being quizzed on transfer dealings

There's been a question about why club buys players who aren't good enough with Gabriel and Perez mentioned. Gazidis denies tried to 'offload' Mustafi.

12:48
Gazidis defends Keswick

Reading from a piece of paper (he must have anticipated hostility), Gazidis defends under-fire chairman Keswick. 

'I think people need to understand we have a long standing passionate Arsenal fan and not just one, the same kind of people sitting in this room who do care about this club.

'Sir Chips Keswick’s experience is extensive. He brings this tremendous wealth of experience and high end knowledge to out club and is a lifelong fan.

'He is beholden to no-one and always speaks his mind.

'The good of the club is his only consideration.He cares about this club in the same way everyone in this room does and we are fortunate to have a long standing fan with these kind of credentials and this kind of experience on our board.'

12:45
Keswick on Usmanov

'I can confirm an healthy debate take place around the board room table.'

And on Usmanov, he said: 'He has not been offered a place on the board and that remains the position.'

12:43
Keswick on Kroenke

There were a few groans in the room, with fans demanding Koenke speaks. 

But Keswick said: 'He is in constant contact with me and the board and shares ambitions to win the league.'

12:42
Gazidis on replicating Bayern's model

The topic turns to whether Arsenal have considered replicating Bayern's operating model of engaging with former players t senior levels.

'We look across sports... It's fair to say many clubs come to us for advice. Ultimately all successful teams have a final decision maker, either their sporting director or manager... In our case it's Arsene Wenger.'

12:38
Gazidis on spending

Question about how Arsenal will compete for the title and in Europe. Gazidis says all the club's finances are made available for player recruitment as long as it is sustainable.

He said: 'All of our club's resources are made available for reinvestment. Unprecedented increase in recent years.

'We have spent over £200m in last three years.

'We are not where we want to be but we are not standing still.'

He adds that Wenger is 'increasingly supported by a range of experts' in making signings.

12:36
Gazidis on the Cologne ticketing sage

'It became clear many touts purchased tickets and sold them online. So far we have cancelled many memberships.'

12:35
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

The most resounding message from Wenger's speech is his request from fans to stay behind the team during the season and reserve judgment until the summer.

Has asked for there not to be such a snap reaction to every defeat. On his future he added his commitment remains bigger than ever. Not as big an ovation for Wenger than there has been in the past.

12:34
Now facing questions from the floor
12:31
Wenger knows it's about winning trophies

The Frenchman is speaking with passion on the stage, reassuring the fans that he knows the objective should be to win silverware.

He added: 'The present for me is about style of play, winning trophies, winning every single game. Don't think I don't know that.

'As soon as we lose one game there is a preconceived idea that we are not good enough.

'My hunger, my commitment is bigger than ever. I question myself a lot, don't worry, I will sit down every year to see where I go.

'No matter what happens one day I will always love this club forever and be an eternal fan.'

12:29
Wenger dedicates '99% of my lifetime' to Arsenal

The manager is now speaking at the AGM and, as expected, he maintains his commitment to the club. 

He said: 'I dedicate 99 per cent of my lifetime to try to make you happy. Looking at what happened today, it is not easy.

'Arsenal is highly respected. We represent something that is exceptional. It's a tradition of class.

'Be behind the team. We accept the verdict at the end of the season but we want you to be behind us.'

12:27
Wenger is now on the stage

Arsene Wenger is now on the mic. He says he wants to make fans happy, but recognises that won't be easy given this morning's events.

12:21
It's video time

A video is now being shown to all those present, explaining increase in revenues and where it goes.

Xhaka, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac and Lacazette all feature. 

12:17
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

CEO Ivan Gazidis speaking. Seems intent on talking about the positives. Not sure that'll go down well.

12:13
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

You wonder what Arsene Wenger makes of this all? He's due to be speaking at his pre-Swansea press conference at 1pm. Can't see it,

12:08
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

The weight of the votes from the board will mean this is a pointless task. Indeed, Sir Chips is re-elected. Nonetheless, this is a hugely embarrassing start to the meeting for the Arsenal board.

Josh Kroenke is the next facing the vote. Hands go up overwhelmingly for him not to be re-elected. So we go to a (pointless) pole vote...again.

12:04
Next resolution is the re-electing of Josh Kroenke

Now that's over, the same will be done for Josh Kroenke, the son of majority shareholder Stan. 

But it's the same again - more than 97% proxy votes again in favour of Kroenke. We are having another poll vote that will amount to Kroenke Jnr staying.

12:03
The poll vote has been completed

The first vote of the day, on whether Sir Chips Keswick should be re-elected to the board of directors, has been completed. 

Supporters arrive for the AGM
11:55
This could take a while...

Those in attendance are clearly against the re-election of sir Chips Keswick as chairman, raising their hands as a sign of their unhappiness.

A poll vote is being carried out. He has 97 per cent of the proxy votes, which should see him retain his role. 

11:50
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

Vote taking place now over whether or not Sir Chips Keswick should remain on board. Long morning ahead...

The re-election of Josh Kroenke up after this.

11:49
Will Josh Kroenke remain on Arsenal board?

Alisher Usmanov voted in favour of more Sir Chips, but it remains to be seen if he does the same for Josh Kroenke.

11:45
Vote to re-elect Sir Chips Keswick
11:43
Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel at the AGM

Standing room only here. Board confirm that no payments have been made to Kroenke. Not always been the case.

11:42
Sir Chips Keswick is now speaking

The chairman says: 'Financial metrics are only one aspect re yardstick.Its important that remuneration remains competitive.'

And on Gazidis: 'Ivan is doing a fantastic job and we are lucky to have him.'

11:40
Gazidis' response

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis says: 'Increased revenue on costs of goods and servicing our partners, high costs on logistics of your club subsidies away ticket by £4 and that's within the increase costs.

11:38
First question

The 2016-17 accounts show a £9m (13%) increase in ‘other football costs’ from £70m to £79m. The explanation given is that USA tour costs, partnership costs, extra security, legend match proceeds and a £1m surplus property provision are behind this increase.

The level of increase is unprecedented in the absence of a management fee and more surprising in view of the reduced number of home games last season (including no Emirates Cup).

Can the Board explain how it has cost an average of over £2m a year more for the items listed? Surely there must be other factors at work? Please provide a fuller breakdown of the increase.

11:38
Sami Mokbel at the AGM

Getting underway here at the Emirates. Should be an interesting hour or so. Two wins in a row will take the edge of any hostility but a section of fans are still unhappy.

11:36
We're underway at the Emirates
11:31
It's a packed AGM
11:31
We're about to get underway at the Emirates!

Not long at all until we get underway at Arsenal's annual general meeting. We'll be keeping you updated with all the quotes and news as they drop. 

11:29

Arsenal has never had a single owner, and before Stan Kroenke never even a majority owner. The club was run for 125 years on a custodianship model and principles that recognised the value of supporter shareholders. Even Henry Norris deliberately resisted becoming majority owner when he ran the club for over 20 years.

Do the club recognise the value of supporter shareholders and do the current board commit to allowing all small shareholders who want to retain shares in a public company to do so regardless of any deals between the two major shareholders or any other parties? 

11:16

The 2016-17 accounts show a £9m (13%) increase in 'other football costs' from £70m to £79m. The explanation given is that USA tour costs, partnership costs, extra security, legend match proceeds and a £1m surplus property provision are behind this increase.

The level of increase is unprecedented in the absence of a management fee and more surprising in view of the reduced number of home games last season (including no Emirates Cup).

Can the Board explain how it has cost an average of over £2m a year more for the items listed? Surely there must be other factors at work? Please provide a fuller breakdown of the increase

11:07

Ivan Gazidis' total pay package remained £2.6m this year including a bonus of £919,000. Yet the Club's performance in football performance (falling from 2nd to 5th place - no Champions League) and predicted income - falling by up to£20m on the Club's own estimate.

Can the Board please justify this payment and give a more comprehensive answer than to say it was a decision made by the remuneration committee?

11:04

The AST welcomed the decision to reduce ticket prices this season for the Europa League competition compared to the Champions League pricing. As the report and accounts demonstrate, income from broadcasting continues to surge ahead.

Can the Board confirm they remain committed to the position that general admission prices will be frozen for the full period of the existing TV contract and therefore that this will cover next season as well?

11:02

In a membership survey conducted this month 92% of AST members said that they believed that Alisher Usmanov, who holds a 30% equity stake in Arsenal through Red & White Holdings, should be offered a place on the Arsenal Board? Why has the Board not offered a directorship to Alisher Usmanov?

10:58

In May 2013 the Arsenal Supporters' Trust commissioned an independent review of corporate governance at Arsenal. This report, and the failings it identified, have been well-publicised. In particular it identified an ageing board lacking in diversity, without the breadth of skills required to run a modern professional football club.

All of the non-executive directors have been in office for far too long and are not regarded as independent under the corporate governance code. There is therefore no independence from the controlling shareholder, no one free of conflict of interest and no one on the board with professional football playing experience.

When is the Board going to address these significant corporate governance failings, appoint a number of truly independent non-executive directors capable of challenging the majority shareholder and who will act in the interests of shareholders as a whole?

10:57
Before we get underway..

You can see a full list of submitted questions on the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust website - but the next few posts will be a selection which will be asked today. 

10:54

It would have been easy for Arsenal to sack long-serving manager Arsene Wenger, Stan Kroenke, the club's majority shareholder, has claimed.

Wenger came under intense scrutiny as his side last season missed out on the top four of the Premier League for the first time in two decades.

But the club's hierarchy resisted the temptation to change the manager, despite protests from a growing number of supporters.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

Arsene Wenger can be prepared to receive a grilling on Thursday
10:51
So Arsenal fans, what would you want to ask the board?

Arsenal's board often come under scrutiny for their transfer dealings - but what would you ask the board? Let us know in the comments section.

10:34

Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST) have demanded that Stan Kroenke's son, Josh, and chairman Sir Chips Keswick are not reappointed to the board of directors.

The AST have revealed their intent to vote against the re-election of the pair ahead of Thursday's Annual General Meeting.

Keswick has come under fire for playing a role in a frustrating spell in the London club's history while majority shareholder Kroenke's son, a non-executive director, is also on the the trust's agenda.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

Arsenal Supporters' Trust said they will vote against the re-appointment of chairman Sir Chips Keswick (left) and Kroenke's son Josh (centre)
10:19
Good morning!

Well Arsenal fans, it's that time of year again isn't it? The club's annual general meeting takes place today where Arsene Wenger and the board will be grilled on various topics. 

We'll have all the latest news and pictures from the AGM so stick with us throughout the morning. 

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