Queens Park Rangers Chairman Tony Fernandes (left) and vice-chairman Amit Bhatia in the stands
Queens Park Rangers Chairman Tony Fernandes (left) and vice-chairman Amit Bhatia in the stands
Liverpool’s soon-to-be vice-chairman Amit Bhatia will be in attendance for the first Anfield game of the season, weeks after finalising a £2 billion purchase.
Bhatia will be appointed vice-chairman of Liverpool following the provisional completion of the sale of 38 percent of Fenway Sports Group’s shares in the club.
The 46-year-old will act as the face of 1892 Holdings, the consortium also including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
Previously an active presence around QPR over 18 years as owner and director, Bhatia is now set to continue this as part of Liverpool.
BBC Sport‘s Aadam Patel reports that Bhatia is due to attend Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest on Saturday in his first appearance since 1892 Holdings’ investment and his unveiling as future vice-chairman.
John W. Henry invited Amit Bhatia to Anfield opener
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's co-owner and NESV Chairman Tom Werner, Director Michael Gordon, and owner John W. Henry with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's co-owner and NESV Chairman Tom Werner, Director Michael Gordon, and owner John W. Henry with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He will do so on the invitation of John W. Henry, but comes with the £2 billion-plus purchase of a minority shareholding in the club still being subject to approval.
Approval must be granted by the Independent Football Regulator, as well as those involved, including Bhatia, Bezos and Saverin, passing the Premier League‘s owners’ and directors’ test.
It remains to be seen how often Bhatia plans to attend Liverpool fixtures, but he is based in London and the expectation is that he will be a more frequent visitor than Henry himself.
Speaking on the announcement of 1892 Holdings’ imminent purchase, the London-born businessman said: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG.
Amit Bhatia, son in law to Lakshmi Mittal, Queens Park Rangers largest shareholder
Amit Bhatia, son in law to Lakshmi Mittal, Queens Park Rangers largest shareholder
“We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield.
“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege.
“We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”
As part of their agreement with FSG, 1892 Holdings – whose lead investor is Bezos, the third-richest person in the world – will have the option to purchase a controlling stake in Liverpool within the next 12 months.
Rayan, Conceicao, Neto collage
Rayan, Conceicao, Neto collage
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