A prominent Liverpool supporters group is calling for transparency from the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), as reports indicate a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is close to acquiring a significant minority stake in the team. Spirit of Shankly, a fan organization, has formally requested detailed information about the proposed investment and its potential long-term impact on the club's future.
The consortium, reportedly also involving Facebook co-owner Eduardo Saverin and former Queens Park Rangers executive Amit Bhatia, is said to be in the final stages of negotiations to purchase approximately 30% of Liverpool FC for around £1.35 billion. While this investment would provide a financial boost to FSG, who would retain majority control, fans are seeking assurances about the nature of the new investors' involvement.
In a statement released in late July, Spirit of Shankly outlined several key questions posed to the club. These include the expected timeline for finalizing any sale, the rights and influence the purchasers would gain, such as board seats or operational control, and whether this stake sale is part of a broader divestment strategy or a singular transaction. The group also inquired about FSG's motivations for considering such a sale and the due diligence being conducted on potential investors.
Spirit of Shankly emphasized the importance of understanding who owns and controls the club, stating that such details are "fundamental" given the circumstances of FSG's original purchase. The group expressed concern that past minority stake sales at other clubs have led to significant operational changes and decisions that were not in the best interest of the clubs or their supporters.
Sources close to both FSG and the potential deal maintain that discussions are ongoing, but no definitive agreement has yet been reached. The club has indicated to Spirit of Shankly that a meeting would be arranged if and when the situation becomes more formalized.
