Liverpool Downplays Saudi Prince's Supposed Interest In Club

Liverpool Owners Not Expecting Imminent Investment In Club From Saudi Prince

EPL club Liverpool co-Owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are not expecting "imminent investment in the club" from Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah al-Saud, "despite reports to the contrary over the weekend," according to Tony Barrett of the LONDON TIMES. Prince Faisal is the "latest potential investor to express an interest in taking a stake in the club and his public admission to this effect has come as a surprise to Hicks in particular, but also to Gillett." Newspaper Saudi Al-Riyadh reported that Prince Faisal and the F6 Sports Investment Firm are "willing to take a stake in Liverpool" of up to 50% for between US$317.6-555.7M. But the report has "taken the Liverpool hierarchy aback." Gillett is "holding talks with a number of interested parties at present and, as yet, there is still to be an official approach from Prince Faisal or any other members of the Saudi Royal Family" (LONDON TIMES, 9/28). In Manchester, Andy Hunter cites sources as saying that Prince Faisal's interest "amounts to no more than an agreement with Gillett to sponsor the club's intended youth academies in the Middle East." Hunter notes either Hicks or Gillett would "have to step aside for Prince Faisal to become a co-owner of Liverpool and, at present, both camps insist they have a long-term commitment" to the club (Manchester GUARDIAN, 9/28).

SOMETHING BREWING? In London, Rory Smith notes Prince Faisal attended Saturday's Hull City-Liverpool game as a guest of Gillett, and also met with Liverpool Managing Dir Christian Purslow after the match (London TELEGRAPH, 9/28). A spokesperson for Prince Faisal yesterday said Faisal is "currently negotiating the deal in London." The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Sergie & Malas report the Liverpool acquisition would be made by F6, run by Prince Faisal. The company Saturday signed a deal with Gillett and Richard Petty Motorsports to "form a venture that could bring a football academy and NASCAR motor races to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 9/28).