Liverpool warned over investment

Pa
Thursday 08 October 2009 08:44 EDT
Comments
Gillett has publicly backed Benitez
Gillett has publicly backed Benitez (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool were today warned that prospective new major investor Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdulla would be unwilling to buy into the club if its debts are high.

Barry Didato, director of strategic investments for the Saudi prince's investment vehicle F6, has indicated that Prince Faisal may consider buying out the shareholdings of co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in full.

He is reportedly only talking to Gillett currently.

But Prince Faisal is said to have no interest in becoming involved in the relationship between the American pair, which has not always run smoothly, and a club loaded with debt would hold no appeal.

Didato told BBC Sport: "His Highness's shareholding could go from anything from nought to 100%.

"But he cannot be seen as a solution to the debt or problems in the existing relationship between the owners.

"His Highness would not want to get involved in the (problems between the pair), he is not a marriage counsellor."

Didato added: "The debt has to be at a manageable level before Prince Faisal would invest and the current level is high.

"He cannot be looked to as someone who is going to clean up the balance sheet - Gillett has to deal with this."

Gillett and Hicks last week issued a joint statement, stressing that any talks to bring in new investment were "at an early stage".

Gillett stated earlier this week that Liverpool are in an "extraordinarily good financial condition", better than Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in