LONDON: Bahrain-based International Investment Bank has bought a 10-percent stake in Leeds United from the owners who took over the English football club three months ago.

Dubai-based GFH Capital said the deal was part of its strategy of bringing in additional investors to develop the Championship (second division) club. It paid 22 million pounds ($33 million) in December to buy out shareholders including Ken Bates, the former Chelsea owner.

There was confusion over the future of the former Premier League club when it emerged last week that GFH Capital’s parent firm had said in its annual report that the club was already up for sale again.

“The introduction of IIB is in keeping with what have always been GFH Capital’s aims for the successful, sustainable and long term ownership of Leeds United FC,” David Haigh, deputy chief executive of GFH Capital, said on the club website.

GFH Capital says it wants to retain a significant stake in the club.

Leeds, who dropped down the leagues after reaching the 2001 Champions League semifinals, are 10th in the Championship and retain slim hopes of making the playoffs for a place in the lucrative Premier League.