Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein explains his reasoning for the FSG sale decision in the recent Liverpool takeover news
Former Arsenal co-owner David Dein believes Fenway Sports Group (FSG) may have put Liverpool on the market as a result of the failure of a projected European Super League.
The Reds were put on the market in early November by FSG, who had controlled the club since 2010. Several weeks later, it was disclosed that the Glazer family had put Manchester United up for sale.
Both prominent clubs were members of the 12 teams who committed to what was virtually a closed-shop Super League to some of Europe’s greatest clubs in April 2021. However, following fan criticism, FSG and the Glazer family recognized their faults, and the European Court of Justice has officially ruled out the idea of a potential breakaway league.
Dein, who was one of the architects of the Premier League forms in 1992, told The Times that this is why both owners may be willing to sell.
“I was quite concerned about the Super League,” claimed the ex-Arsenal vice-chairman, who is also concerned about American owners undermining the English football pyramid system.
“It was the proprietors’ failure to correctly interpret the tea leaves. They got the wrong message, which was definitely driven by owners believing there was a holy grail out there [of a closed shop and increased revenue], which likely influenced the selling of Liverpool and Manchester United.
“In the United States, they have a distinct dynamic. They have a sterile league and the ability to shift franchises from place to city. That is not how we are. We are enthusiastic about our groups. Club football is extremely important and must be safeguarded.”
Dein also thinks that sovereign wealth funds would buy more clubs in the future. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia purchased Newcastle United last year, while Qatar Sports Investments, a state-backed fund, has controlled Paris Saint-Germain since 2011.
“When I joined Arsenal, the individuals buying were local businesses investing in their club, and then it changed, they became millionaires [buying], then billionaires, and it will change again, and they will become sovereign states,” Dein remarked.
“When I joined Arsenal, the individuals buying were local businesses investing in their club, and then it changed, they became millionaires [buying], then billionaires, and it will change again, and they will become sovereign states,” Dein remarked.
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