| NESV pledge to remove 'all of Liverpool's acquisition debt' • NESV promises 'to bring back culture of winning'• Possible new owners 'hopeful' of legal successNew England Sports Ventures, Liverpool's prospective new owner, has promised to give the club "the resources to build for the future" and to "bring back the culture of winning" if and when its purchase goes through.In a statement released this afternoon, NESV also highlighted its success with Boston Red Sox, who have won two World Series Championships since they were taken over in 2002. "Our portfolio of companies are all committed to one common goal: winning," the companies writes. It pledges to "stabilise the club and ultimately return [them] to their rightful place in England and European football, competing for and winning trophies". No mention is made of the possible redevelopment of Anfield.Liverpool's board agreed this morning to sell the club to NESV, though the current owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have said that they intend to oppose the deal, which they say "dramatically undervalues the club".NESV's statement reads as follows:"New England Sports Ventures ("NESV") can confirm that their bid for Liverpool FC has been selected by the club's board of directors and agreement has been reached with the board to purchase the club. NESV wishes to extend their appreciation to the board for their diligence and their efforts on behalf of Liverpool FC and its supporters."NESV wants to create a long-term, financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt. Our objective is to stabilise the Club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies."Since 2001, New England Sports Ventures has made successful investments in sports and entertainment properties. Our portfolio of companies, including the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing are all committed to one common goal: winning. NESV wants to help bring back the culture of winning to Liverpool FC."We have a proven track record, shown clearly with the Boston Red Sox. The team has won two World Series Championships over the past six years. We will bring the same kind of openness, passion, dedication and professionalism to Liverpool FC."We are hopeful with regard to the pending legal and English Premier League procedures now underway, however, in light of these issues, we will respectfully refrain from comment or further actions at this time."LiverpoolJohn W HenryBoston Red SoxSimon Burntonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Yossi Benayoun blow for Chelsea and Israel Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun could face "several months" on the sidelines due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. telegraph.co.uk |
Global Soccer: For Some, a New Team Brings Out the Best Samuel Eto'o and Raúl González led their teams to victories in the Champions League. Wayne Rooney, after asking to leave Manchester United, missed his team's game with an injury. feeds.nytimes.com |
Liverpool fans injured ahead of Europa League tie with Napoli • Visiting supporters injured in two separate incidents in Italy• Liverpool face Napoli in Europa League this eveningFour members of a British family were attacked last night in Naples ahead of Liverpool's Europa League tie in the Italian city. Three local men were arrested following the incident."We are still gathering information with regards to yesterday's incidents," a Naples police spokesperson said. "Four people of the same family, a father, a mother and their two sons, were attacked last night and needed medical attention. Due to the aggression, three Naples citizens were arrested." been reportedA separate incident where a gang of youths armed with knifes approached English supporters in the city has also been reported. The ANSA and Apcom news agencies say that the overnight clashes in downtown Naples involved thrown rocks and led to three arrests, and also injuries to four or five Italian fans, including a restaurant owner.Italian police will be on high alert at Napoli's San Paolo stadium later. Youths damaged the goals and the pitch when breaking into the ground over the weekend.LiverpoolFootball violenceNapoliEuropa Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
FIFA executive denies World Cup bribery allegations FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu has denied any wrongdoing after being provisionally suspended while his alleged role in a World Cup vote-selling scandal is investigated. cbc.ca |