LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 17, 2015: Linda Pizzuti, wife of Liverpool FC owner John W. Henry, takes a photo on her Apple iPhone before the Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

FSG not looking for direct investment in Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC chief executive Ian Ayre says owners Fenway Sports Group are not actively looking for direct investment in to the club but would consider it as part of the Main Stand naming rights – FSG, though, wouldn’t consider supporters holding a stake in the club.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 17, 2015: Linda Pizzuti, wife of Liverpool FC owner John W. Henry, takes a photo on her Apple iPhone before the Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

At the most recent supporters club committee meeting, Ayre was asked whether FSG would consider “partnership with a properly constituted and regulated supporters’ trust to raise investment for the stadium expansion through a 15% supporters’ stake in the Club?”

The question arose after director Michael Gordon has said in July that, as part of a search for the naming rights partner for the new Main Stand, the club would consider “outright investment” as a possibility.

However, Ayre responded by saying that the owners are “not looking for direct investment in the Club, but are looking for sponsorship partners for the Main Stand.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2015: Liverpool supporters' banners of Bill Shankly and Ronnie Moran in action against Manchester City during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) [general pic]

“If, for example, one of those partners brought a strategic opportunity in addition to a naming rights deal, then the Club would not rule out giving up some equity if this meant securing the right deal,” said Ayre.

“However, the Club is not actively looking for equity investment in isolation, as it would only be considered as part of a strategic partnership.”

Ayre was then challenged on whether FSG would though consider supporter investment. To which he said that whilst the supporters bring a passion and love for the Club, the Club would only consider an equity sale if it forms part of a strategic investment, for which it is not actively looking in any case.