Liverpool F.C.
On a number of occasions, DIC tried to buy into Liverpool F.C., in part because DIC chief Sameer al-Ansari is an LFC fan and season ticket holder:
- 3 December 2006: DIC and Liverpool revealed that DIC were in exclusive negotiations to potentially buy or invest in the football club Liverpool later accepted an offer made by American tycoons, George Gillett and Tom Hicks
- 22 December 2007: DIC looked to invest in the club alongside Gillett/Hicks, as the clubs owners suffered financial difficulties. However, Hicks later dismissed holding any talks with DIC and even DIC making a bid for his share.
- 14 February 2008: reported that DIC have 'the outline of an agreement to purchase the Reds from George Gillett and Tom Hicks, and a deal could go through by mid-March' for a sum of around £500M. Gillett then annaounced that he was willing to sell his 50% stake alone to DIC.
- 10 March 2008: Hicks announced via the Liverpool website that he has terminated further discussions with DIC. Hicks was apparently not willing to allow DIC to be involved in football decisions.
- 15 September 2008: Premier League rivals Newcastle United linked with DIC. However, DIC have stated they are not planning a fresh bid for Liverpool, nor were they in talks with any other side from England's top flight.
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