Rumours of Qatari Investment in Liverpool FC Just “Filling the Information Vacuum”
Rumours have been circulating online that contact has been made with Qatari officials regarding investment into Liverpool FC. However, according to the Liverpool Echo’s business of football writer Dave Powell, this is just “filling the information vacuum” and there is nothing major imminent.
It has now been over 10 months since news broke that FSG were exploring the sale of Liverpool FC, which was later determined to be for a minority investment. With little movement and concrete news regarding any progress on securing that investment, it is easy to understand why speculation has been rampant.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) have both been linked with potential interest in the club. The QIA were exploring the sale of Man United earlier this year, and this has led to increased chatter online regarding Qatari interest in Liverpool.
Powell explained on Twitter that “last I heard there was nothing major imminent”. He also noted that if a partner was found, it would be additive to growing the business and provide the opportunity to scale it.
FSG are said to value Liverpool above £4 billion, and earlier this summer it was claimed that the owners are seeking between £400 million and £500 million for a minority stake worth 10 to 15 percent.
Boston Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy admitted in July that the club needs “massive investment” in order to compete at the top. Liverpool were reported in March to be targeting “major media companies” to partner with, but there have been no further developments on that front either.
It is clear that FSG are still exploring their options when it comes to securing investment for Liverpool FC. However, it appears that any rumours of contact with Qatari officials are just “filling the information vacuum” and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
What is Qatar Investment Authority?
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is a sovereign wealth fund based in Qatar. It was established in 2005 by the then-Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to manage the oil and natural gas surpluses of the government of Qatar.
The QIA is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with assets estimated at over $300 billion. It has investments in a wide range of sectors including real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, financial services, technology, and healthcare.
The QIA has made several high-profile investments in recent years, including a $6 billion stake in Volkswagen Group, a $2 billion stake in Credit Suisse, and a $1 billion stake in Barclays Bank.
What is Qatar Sports Investments?
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) is a sports investment company based in Qatar. It was founded in 2005 by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.
QSI has investments in a number of sports teams and organizations around the world, including Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Aspire Academy, and the World Series of Boxing.
QSI has also made investments in sports media companies such as beIN Media Group and Eleven Sports Network. In addition, QSI has invested in sports-related technology companies such as PlaySight Interactive and Deltatre.
Conclusion
Though rumours online suggest contact has been made with Qatari officials regarding investment into Liverpool FC, it is just “filling the information vacuum” according to Dave Powell. It is clear that FSG are still exploring their options when it comes to securing investment for Liverpool FC, but it appears that any rumours of contact with Qatari officials should be taken with a pinch of salt.