Spirit of Shankly have been informed that Fenway Sports Group's stance as Liverpool owners remains the same - and they are only open to a third-party acquisition - despite increasing speculation about the American group's full ownership at Anfield.
The supporters' union contacted Liverpool Football Club on Monday after a report in The Athletic claimed that FSG, led by principal owner John W. Henry, had produced a sales deck for interested parties and were inviting offers for the club they purchased for just £300m in October 2010. It had also been claimed their major American banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been passed the responsibility of assisting the process by beginning the evaluation process.
However, SOS have been advised that FSG's position on welcoming potential third-party investors has not changed and they would welcome additional financial support "under the right terms".
OWNERSHIP NEWS: FSG statement as Liverpool 'put up for sale'
Q+A: Liverpool sale questions answered by reporter Dave Powell
A statement released by the fan group on Monday evening read: "Following today’s reports, Monday 7 November, that FSG have put Liverpool FC up for sale, Spirit of Shankly and the Supporters Board contacted the club.
"They told us that it is known that FSG have said in the past under the right terms they would consider new shareholders. This remains their position.
"The Supporters Board and SOS, as the recognised Supporters Trust, have an ongoing dialogue with the club and LFC have confirmed their commitment to this.
"This is an evolving story and the club have assured us that they will keep us updated, but at this point they have nothing to add to the FSG statement issued this morning.
"We will continue to keep you updated."
Earlier in the day, SOS insisted they expected to be consulted about any potential change of ownership at Anfield. More importantly, following the debacle of the European Super League last April, as part of the healing process SOS - a 16-man supporters' union, led by elected chair Joe Blott - signed an agreement that guaranteed they would be part of discussions with the club's officials at boardroom level for key decisions and ensure calamities such as the failed ESL would never arise again. The agreement was embedded into the club's Articles of Association in August of this year, ensuring that SOS would have the opportunity to vote on existential issues at the club.
In a statement given to the ECHO on Monday, FSG said: "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.
"FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."
The Boston-based group acquired Liverpool after a series of high-court battles in late 2010 and have completed a clean sweep of trophies at Anfield in the 12 years since.
READ NEXT
-
Roberto Firmino suffers World Cup blow as Liverpool duo given Brazil call-up
-
FSG's new statement compared to old message hints at true Liverpool ownership stance
-
FSG had been seeking Liverpool investment 'for more than a year' as 'potential buyer' emerges
-
How much Liverpool are worth as FSG might have found perfect time to sell
-
John Henry's astonishing net worth as FSG 'put Liverpool up for sale'
