Exclusive: Mike Tyson's business partner Alki David confident of acquiring naming rights of Barcelona's Nou Camp, says "ready to help the club in every possible way"

For the first time in 63 years, Barcelona are ready to sell the naming rights of iconic stadium Nou Camp in a bid to raise funds for 'research projects and the worldwide fight against the coronavirus pandemic'. Billionaire Alki David, who runs a CBD business with long-time friend and ex-heavyweight champion – Mike Tyson – along with multiple other businesses such as FilmOn, streaming-video site BattleCam.com, among many others, is optimistic of striking a deal with the Spanish giants under the banner of Swissx.

"This is a great business opportunity for our company and I hope that is the same with Barcelona as well. It is a great club, a fantastic stadium with top facilities. I only aspire to make things better.I am sure it would be carved in golden letters in history books if the deal is finalised. The deal fits perfectly with my current plans,” David told WION in an exclusive interview.

While the cost of acquiring naming rights of a top European football club’s stadium has soared high in recent years with the likes of Manchester City striking a whopping deal for their home stadium. Tottenham Hotspur are also looking at a hefty sum with Daniel Levy holding out for a world-record £25 million-a-year naming-rights price on their new stadium.

While David didn’t quote a price for the Camp Nou deal, the billionaire businessman said that “it would be historic, something the world hasn’t seen so far”.

“I am confident the deal will be secured but I can’t say anything more than that, at the moment. It will not be right for me to open up on things given the talks are still on,” David said.

“Barcelona is a massive club. The best I would say, and I want to help this beautiful club in becoming unbeatable again. My health and well-being company has been trying to help out virologists and people suffering during this time and Barcelona’s motive to fund research projects to fight coronavirus is great. I think it will be a perfect match for both of us.

“The stadium is fantastic. I remember watching matches at Camp Nou when I was young and now if we can secure a deal then I will make sure to help the club in revamping the facilities to help the players in bringing out their best on the pitch, and for the fans to enjoy the beautiful stadium even more.

"The name Swissx Stadium sounds perfect!"

When asked if he wishes to help the club in signing a few players as well, David said he wants to help Barcelona in every possible way.

“It is business after all. A club cannot succeed if the results aren’t up to the mark on the pitch. We lack a genuine central defender who could raise the bar in crucial matches. I wish to help the club in bringing in Harry Maguire from Manchester United as I feel he could be a perfect player to bolster the defence. But for that we need this deal to be successful,” said a passionate David.

David concluded the interview by passing a heartfelt message for Barcelona fans as the billionaire businessman said: “I want to see this deal convert into a beautiful relationship with the fans. It will not be limited just to acquiring the naming rights. I want to help the club and for that, I need your support. While the deal hasn’t been finalised yet, I am sure fans would be happy to read that I want to help the club in bringing a world-class player. Barcelona are just not a club; it is a family. And I want to bring in my expertise to make this club better.”