Two Hibs directors attended Hampden to put their case forward on Thursday morning
Hibs say they have held “positive” discussions with the Scottish Football Association on the prospect of American billionaire Bill Foley investing in the Easter Road club.
Foley, who is the current owner of Premier League side Bournemouth and holds a stake in French outfit Lorient through his Black Knight group, wants to become a minority shareholder of Hibs. However, Hibs require the approval of the SFA, with current regulations prohibiting individuals having a dual interest in a football club unless consent is given. Hibs director Ian Gordon and chief executive Ben Kensell attended a hearing at Hampden on Thursday morning and there are high hopes that the 78-year-old will be allowed to invest.
“Hibernian FC can confirm that the club met with the Scottish FA Board on Thursday 14 December 2023 to discuss a minority investment proposal,” Hibs said in a statement. Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell outlined the concept and discussed the benefits for Hibs and Scottish football moving ahead during the good discussion. The club is looking forward to the next stage of the process, which will involve making a formal request for approval of a duel interest dispensation in accordance with Article 13. At this point, there will be no additional remark.”
On a potential partnership with Hibs, Foley told TalkSport on Wednesday: “We’re going through the process with the Scottish Premier League (sic) and the Scottish Football Association to ensure that we’re doing things properly and that they’re happy with our participation.” We’re not going to be a controlling shareholder; we’re going to be an investor, but we definitely want to coordinate player acquisition and disposal with Hibs, and I know they could use the assistance.”
Leave a Reply