Mukesh Ambani in race for Liverpool. All you want to know

Reliance Industries Ltd chairman and billionaire Mukesh Ambani is reportedly in the race to acquire a stake in football club Liverpool.

Reliance is reportedly eyeing a bid for the club after it was put up for sale by current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

For how much are FSG selling Liverpool?

According to The Mirror, the FSG are willing to sell the club for £4 billion. 

What is Ambani’s current net worth?

Ambani has a net worth of around £90 billion and is rated by Forbes as the eighth richest person in the world. 

When did FSG acquire Liverpool?

FSG bought the club in 2010.

What has FSG said about their decision to sell Liverpool?

A statement from FSG read: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably, we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.

“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.”

Is this the first time that Mukesh Ambani is out to buy Liverpool?

Not really. Back in 2010, along with Subroto Roy, chairman of Sahara Group, Reliance Industries wanted to bid for a 51 per cent stake in Liverpool. However, the rumours were denied by then Liverpool chief executive Christain Purslow.

If Ambani does buy Liverpool, how could it impact Indian football?

If Ambani does buy Liverpool, it could potentially alter the face of Indian football. India figures way down in the rankings when it comes to football and do not even qualify for the world cup. If an Indian does buy Liverpool, it could pique the interest of Indians in the game and in future more businessmen could end up owning international clubs. 

What other sports has Ambani invested into?

Ambani’s Reliance owns Indian Premier League (IPL) team Mumbai Indians and runs the football league, Indian Super League, along with the All India Football Federation. During the last few years, RIL, along with other corporates such as JSW, Hero MotoCorp and the Adani group, have joined the ranks of the Tatas to invest in football.

Apart from football and cricket, RIL has tied up with the Indian Olympic Association and the Athletics Federation of India to support athletes in multiple events. These include the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

Reliance will also set up the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics in 2024 as part of the association.