Celtic’s ownership situation is under intense scrutiny.
That’s amid Celtic fan protests, the acrimonious departure of Brendan Rodgers and, most recently, a chaotic Celtic AGM which had to be called off early.
After months of (attempted) dialogue between Michael Nicholson and the Celtic Fans Collective, the AGM was an opportunity to hear from principal shareholder Dermot Desmond’s son Ross.
Few saw Desmond’s extraordinary statement coming. It was his first ever public address of Celtic fans – and it alienated a large portion of them, calling out ‘bullies’ in the support whose ‘only vocation in life is to be anti-establishment’.
It was incredible stuff. Desmond has been clear that he has no intention of giving up his stake in Celtic, but Alan Brazil has shared rumours that this could change.
A new report has now mentioned one potential suitor who has been interested in a Celtic stake in the past.
Bill Foley reported to have eyed a stake in Celtic
Bill Foley keeps himself busier than most 80-year-olds.
The owner of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Vegas Knight Hawks, Foley will be most known to Celtic fans as the owner of AFC Bournemouth who recently sold his 25% stake in Hibernian,
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Foley didn’t hold back on the situation at Hibs, complaining that the Gordon family weren’t listening to his advice.
His multi-club empire also includes Lorient in France, Auckland in New Zealand (who play in the A-League) and Moreirense in Portugal.
And, according to the Irish Times, he had previously been interested in acquiring a stake at Celtic Park, prior to his interest in Hibernian.
Fans hear the term ‘multi-club’ and instantly become sceptical, and understandably so.
Foley has discussed his desire for a conveyor belt of players who can rise within his network, which is called the BlackKnight Group.
Given the stature of Celtic, they simply don’t fit into a food chain which puts them below a club like Bournemouth.
It’s fair to say that Foley’s model will need a rethink if he is to pursue a stake in Celtic.
Celtic’s ownership model
Desmond acts and feels like the owner of Celtic, but he isn’t.
His 34% stake at Parkhead is not proportionate with his 100% control, and many fans are losing patience with the status quo.
But until Desmond changed his stance, this will remain the case. A large number of board members have been in their positions for over a decade.
The re-election results from the Celtic AGM say everything – meaningful change remains a far-fetched idea.
Do you think Dermot Desmond would really consider selling his Celtic shares?
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