Sport - Hicks denies Liverpool sale claim
Written: 26th February, 2008
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has strenously denied renewed claims that he plans to sell his 50% share in the club to Dubai International Capital.
He also described reports that he will allow DIC to study Liverpool's books ahead of a proposed sale as "absolutely and categorically false".
Hicks's son, Tom Jr., was spat at and abused by Liverpool fans in a pub after Saturday's win against Middlesbrough.
DIC may now try to buy out Hicks's partner George Gillett's 50% stake.
A statement from Hicks read: "Reports in the UK media that I am about to sell my stake in the Liverpool Football Club, or to invite DIC to examine the club's books in preparation for such a sale - like other such reports planted in the UK press in recent weeks by parties with their own self-interested agenda - are absolutely and categorically false.
"The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honor that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future."
Hicks and Gillett beat off competition from DIC to take over Liverpool in February 2007, and the Dubai club have recently appeared to renew their interest.
Last month, Liverpool confirmed a £350m refinancing package, with £60m to be used as start-up money for the new ground in Stanley Park.
That repackaging deal, which also piled £105m of debt on the club, only lasts 18 months and the renewed takeover talk appears to be driven by the fact that Hicks and Gillett will soon have to start renegotiating their debts.
Source BBC news