FOOTBALL may be a beautiful game - but it is ugly business. 

Love it or hate it, the sport is undeniably one of the world’s greatest levellers, uniting people from all backgrounds and walks of life in a way that almost nothing else can. 

The game inspires passion, devotion, a sense of community and togetherness, particularly for men, in an increasingly isolated world.

But sadly it is because of this widespread popularity - and the sheer volume of fans willing to pay above and beyond to support their club - there are people, namely owners, who seek to take advantage. 

Wycombe Wanderers have been fortunate under the stewardship of Rob Couhig, the American businessman who bought a 75 per cent stake from the supporters’ trust just before the pandemic in 2019. 

But he even admitted himself he isn’t in this for the long haul and revealed last July, he is likely to sell within the next four years.

Fans may be disappointed that this tenure isn’t longer lived. With each new owner comes new risks as these clubs - which are really built around the community and fans - become putty in the hands of billionaires. 

As has been the case for Wycombe’s closest neighbours and league one stablemates, Reading. Reading fans have been left furious after news broke that Wycombe had been approached by the Royals owner Dai Yongge to buy their state-of-the-art training facility for a cut price. 

Bearwood Park, in Sindlesham near Wokingham, is estimated to be worth £50million - but Wycombe are understood to be purchasing it for around £20-£25million. 

Some would say this is a deal too good to turn down for Wycombe, who are currently training at basic facilities in Marlow. Others would say the purchase will put the nail in the coffin for a neighbouring football club.

This sorry saga surely shows change is needed to prevent a club’s long-term survival being so closely linked to one man’s bank balance.