Who are Dubai International Capital? The group linked with $5bn Liverpool takeover

Robin Bairner

• 9 Nov 2022 07:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have been put up for sale by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), with the first serious rumours of a buyer coming in the form of Dubai International Capital (DIC).

Reports from Arabian Business suggest that the group is ready to launch a takeover bid worth around $5 billion for the club after its American owners admitted on Monday that they “would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club”.

DIC have previously tried to buy the Reds, though any such deal is bound to be laced with controversy due to the source of its wealth.

MORE: Man Utd join Liverpool in being put up for sale

Who owns Dubai International Capital?

DIC is the international investment arm of the sovereign wealth fund of the government of Dubai. It means they are essentially cut from the same cloth as the owners of Manchester City, who are also owned by UAE investors, and Newcastle, whose wealth comes from Saudi Arabia.

How much is DIC worth?

Although it’s unclear just how much money DIC have, it manages assets worth an estimated $13bn.

MORE: The reasons behind Liverpool sale

What other sports teams have DIC invested in?

DIC do not have investments in any other sports teams, which comes in contrast to FSG, who have been criticised by Liverpool fans for not treating the club as a priority.

DIC have previously invested in numerous major companies in the past, including German car manufacturer Daimler, aircraft and defence company EADS and Sony.

When did DIC try to buy Liverpool before?

DIC founding chairman Sameer Al Ansari is reported a Liverpool fan and season ticket holder, and he has attempted to buy the club on several occasions in the past.

In December 2006, DIC held talks to buy the club but an offer from George Gillet and Tom Hicks was accepted. One year on, they were reported to be interested in managing the club along with the Americans.

The closest DIC came to buying Liverpool in the past was in spring 2008. Gillet announced he was willing to sell his 50% stake in the club but soon came an official announcement that talks had stopped, with DIC having wanted to be active in football decisions.

DIC were later linked with a takeover for Newcastle in September 2008.