Ed Sheeran at Ipswich's Premier League return vs Liverpool - ESPN

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterAug 17, 2024, 11:25 AM

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• Joined ESPN in 2011 • Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours • Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018

Ed Sheeran was in attendance at Ipswich Town's Premier League opener against Liverpool just days after he purchased a minority stake in the club.

Global music superstar Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and has been the club's men's and women's team's shirt sponsor since 2021. On Thursday, Ipswich announced Sheeran had acquired a 1.4% stake in the club through owners Gamechanger 20 Ltd.

Sheeran was seen in the club's fan zone pre-match and also on the Portman Road pitch, though he told TNT Sport that he would have to leave the game at half-time to head to Serbia for a concert on Saturday evening.

"It's been really nice, and he's been an ever-present since I have been at the club," Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna said of Sheeran's involvement on Friday. "I know he is a lifelong supporter and very passionate.

"He is a global superstar and one of the most talented musicians in the world, and to have him endorsing what we do is a great boost for the football club. We are really grateful."

Sheeran's investment will not see him join the club's board in what they call a "passive and minority investment only." Instead, the investment will see him have long-term use of a corporate box at the stadium.

He was in Miami when Ipswich won promotion back to the Premier League in May. That feat signalled their return to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.

Ipswich fell 2-0 to Liverpool in the game as Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota scored in the second half to open Arne Slot's managerial tenure with a win.