Chris Kirchner’s proposed acquisition of third-tier club Derby County has been canceled after the American businessman withdrew his offer, the English Football League (EFL) announced on Monday.

Kirchner, who was named the preferred bidder in April, received conditional clearance to buy the club in the EFL’s final month but missed a Friday deadline to complete the purchase.

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The EFL said it was told Kirchner had officially withdrawn from the Derby buying process.

“The League reiterates its commitment (…) to work proactively alongside the club’s administrators as they continue to engage with a number of interested parties, so that the objective of completing a sale is achieved as much as possible. soon as possible,” an EFL spokesperson said. said.

The joint administrators issued a separate statement indicating that there were other interested parties who had a “genuine desire to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

“We are aware that some will be concerned by this news,” they said in a statement to British media.

“However, the joint administrators wish to reassure club staff, players and supporters that they continue to actively engage with a growing number of interested parties.”

On Saturday, the EFL said it was “increasingly concerned” about the delays to the sale and duly advised the administrators to be involved in all correspondence and discussions with potential bidders.

The EFL had said the delay in the sale posed a risk to the integrity of the 2022-23 season, with Ligue 1 fixtures due to be released in less than two weeks.

Derby, led by former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, were relegated from the Championship after receiving two separate points deductions for going into administration and breaking financial rules earlier in the season and has been under a transfer embargo.