Liverpool supporters union raises concerns on Jeff Bezos and FSG's proposed $1.9bn Liverpool deal

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Jeff Bezos is the third wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $279.4 billion -Credit:Chesnot, Getty Images


Liverpool supporters union Spirit of Shankly have raised questions with Fenway Sports Group regarding the proposed investment in the Reds from a consortium that includes Amazon owner Jeff Bezos.

Negotiations are continuing with the group, led by former Queens Park Rangers director Amit Bhatia, over a potential 30% stake in Liverpool FC that could be valued at up to £1.4 billion ($1.89 billion).

Bezos would participate as an investor alongside Eduardo Saverin, one of the co-founders of Facebook. Bezos is ranked by the American financial publication Forbes as the third-wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated fortune of £207 billion ($279.4 billion), while Saverin is reported to be worth £24 billion ($32.4 billion).

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Spirit of Shankly reached out to Liverpool last month when reports first surfaced of the consortium's interest, requesting clarification on a number of matters, as per the Liverpool Echo.

While the club is yet to respond to their inquiries, they have pledged to meet with the Supporters Board should talks with the consortium progress to a more formal stage.

The statement read: "Following initial reports of a potential sale of a stake in LFC, Spirit of Shankly wrote to the club at the end of July seeking further information and greater clarity of what it would mean should a sale go ahead.

"We asked: when is the ownership expecting to conclude a potential sale? What will the purchasers get in return – board seats, level of involvement in the control of the club on and off the pitch, dividends or other financial returns?

"Is this part of a planned wider sale, or a one-off? What is the reasoning for FSG considering such a sale?

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"What due diligence is being done on the potential investors/owners? This is about their plans, reasons for purchase and involvement in sports or business elsewhere.

"We also asked for a meeting and reiterated that, given the events that led to FSG's purchase of the club, who owns it and how they control it – putting the interests of LFC and its supporters first – is fundamental to us all."

The statement continued: "The latest report of a 30% sale and the consortium set up to buy it is significant. The ownership and custodianship of our club is paramount to SOS and all supporters.

"We have witnessed similar sales at other clubs resulting in notable changes in the running of that club and football operations, leading to decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool.

"The club responded by saying that if anything became more formalized, they would be willing to meet with the Supporters Board. As yet, we have no further information but will keep members informed."

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