Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner is recovering from a stroke and will temporarily step back from his daily responsibilities at the Championship club. The 56-year-old American received immediate medical treatment following rapid intervention. According to Bbc.com.
Birmingham chairman Wagner takes temporary leave during stroke recovery
Wagner, who took control of Birmingham in 2023, is “making a good recovery” according to a club statement. The 56-year-old will step away from daily operations “for a period of time” while continuing his rehabilitation process.
The club confirmed that Wagner “remains closely connected to the club” despite his temporary absence. Birmingham emphasized that “their commitment to the club is unchanged, and our plans and operations continue as normal under strong leadership” from the Knighthead team.
Wagner’s company SCL, a subsidiary of Knighthead Capital Management, initially purchased a 45.98% stake in Birmingham during 2023. The ownership group expanded their control to 96.64% by November, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the project.
Under Wagner’s leadership, Birmingham have outlined ambitious expansion plans including a proposed new 62,000 seat stadium. The club secured promotion back to the Championship last season and harbor aspirations of reaching the Premier League for the first time since 2011.
Birmingham currently sit 10th in the Championship table, just one point outside the playoff positions. They face Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday as Wagner continues his recovery process.
