United confirmed the sale in a statement released on Wednesday evening, after the FFA told the Adelaide Advertiser it had ratified the deal.

The investors that have purchased the Club are a group of predominantly European business people with business activities in Europe, Australia, and Asia and have company offices in Hong Kong.

Piet van der Pol, an experienced football administrator, will be the main representative of the investors in Adelaide.

Van der Pol is the current president of lower tier Chinese club Qingdao Red Lions based in Shandong province.

The Dutchman is partnered by Bruno Marveggio at Qingdao. Marveggio had already owned a 25 per cent stake in United.

United chairman Greg Griffin was at the helm of the ownership change in 2010 but will depart along with major shareholder Robert Gerard.

The club statement read: "The new owners are looking forward to helping Adelaide United, and Australian football as a whole, move on through the exciting phases of development that domestic football is going through, hoping to further improve the Club’s performance through their existing network in business and sports with a focus on international cooperation, talent development, and community engagement."

"For the remainder of the season, the focus should be on the team and make sure Marco Kurz’ men will finish the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season in the best possible way by qualifying for and successfully competing in the finals."

"The investors will take this time to get the know the Club, its members and supporters, and sponsors, as well as the South Australian community as a whole and will present their plans for the near and further future in due time."

"The new owners would like to express their gratitude for all the efforts of the previous shareholders who have successfully guided the Club through a difficult phase from their first involvement, with the 2016 Premiership and Championship as the highlight in the Club's existence so far."