Tony Fernandes and Ruben Gnanalingam have stepped down as co-chairman of Queens Park Rangers.

The London club has announced that Amit Bhatia is the new chairman at Loftus Road, with Gnanalingam replacing the new Hoops chief as vice chairman.

The change at the top of the club is effective from today with Fernandes leaving QPR but will remain a stakeholder and co-owner of the London club

Ranger’s now-former chairman admitted on Twitter last week that his time in charge of the London club was ‘fast coming to a close.’

And within five days of making that statement, the 54-year-old relinquishes control at boardroom level to allow the more local Bhatia to take over.

Bhatia bought a stake in QPR back in 2007 and has since served as the vice chairman.

Outgoing chairman Fernandes told the club’s official site: “It’s a good time for a change as the club is now in a stable position, and this will give the new chairman a good foundation to build upon.

“It’s time for the club to have a chairman who is based in London. 

“It was important for me to step down at a time where we have solved many issues such as FFP, making the club sustainable, building a strong academy and having a strong backroom team.”

New Loftus Road chief Bhatia added:“I’m excited to be stepping into the role as chairman of QPR, and have accepted this position fully aware of the responsibilities and pressures that come with this appointment.

“Under my watch, I will ensure that we make decisions that are in the best long-term interests of QPR, and which bring stability and sustainability to the club.

“While we would like to be more active in the transfer market it’s important we adhere to the profitability and sustainability rules moving forward.” 

The Verdict

This is a significant change at the top of the Loftus Road club.

Queens Park Rangers were braced for a change after Fernandes admission that his time was coming to an end.

Bhatia is based in London so will be able to spend more time at the club than the former chairman did having had to juggle multiple business ventures.

Fernandes remains co-owner of the club so will be a silent backer with Bhatia running the day-to-day operations of the club, something Rangers needed.

They have needed someone who is going to invest their time in the club, Fernandes could not commit and will now afford Bhatia the chance to run the club from close quarters.

It is a good day for Queens Park Rangers fans.