Premier League approves NESV’s Liverpool takeover

The Premier League has given New England Sports Ventures (NESV) the green light to continue with their proposed takeover of Liverpool.

Top flight officials met with NESV directors to discuss the proposed deal and obtain information on the Boston Red Sox owner’s plans should they take control at Anfield – including who will make up the board of directors.

A Premier League statement read: “The Premier League has met with the owners and directors of NESV regarding their proposed takeover of Liverpool FC and has received details, in accordance with Premier League Rules, of the proposed company and ownership structure as well as the make-up of the new Board.”

“The Premier League is satisfied, with the information provided, that the individuals NESV intend to put in place in the event they complete their takeover of Liverpool FC meet the criteria set out in our Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

“The Board of the Premier League will continue working with Liverpool FC in regard to this process, however, we are aware that the formal completion of this takeover is yet to be resolved and it is therefore inappropriate for us to offer any further comment.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton will seek approval on the club’s sale from the High Court early next week after Tom Hicks had looked to block the bid from being accepted on Tuesday night.

Broughton, Managing Director Christian Purslow and Commercial Director Ian Ayre all voted to accept the sale of the club, but Hicks and co-owner George Gillett looked to block the move, stating they had removed Purslow and Ayre from the board prior to decision being made.

Should no resolution be found by 15 October then the Royal Bank of Scotland may move to take control of the club and put the parent company, Kop Holdings Limited, into administration – a situation which is likely to lead to Liverpool receiving a nine-point deduction.