Soccer: Thai Premier, Liverpool reach deal
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-05-12 09:14

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reached a deal to buy a stake in the English Premier League's Liverpool franchise, with most of the more than US$100 million coming from public funds, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

Thaksin made the announcement at a Cabinet meeting, government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair told reporters.

Jakrapob said he could not give further details, pending a formal announcement by Thaksin and the soccer club's board. He did not say when the announcement would be made.

"We will buy it in the name of Thailand. We want Thai people to be part of the purchase ... most of the money will come from public funds," Jakrapob said. "The Thai government is the one that negotiated the deal, not Thaksin."

Liverpool officials were not immediately available for comment.

Thaksin met Monday with a group of Liverpool representatives at his office in the Government House for the last round of discussions on his bid to buy a 30 per cent stake in the club.

Thaksin told reporters after the meeting that the stake will cost more than $100 million.

The Thai stake will likely come from the 51 percent owned by Liverpool chairman David Moores.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Price drop indicates economy cooling down         Premier: Taiwan legislation to be studied         US$1.5b in contracts signed in London         FM calls for `reasonable expectations'         Olympic venues open to global bids         China's first frozen egg baby born	Serena wins first match back after injury       Soccer: Thai Premier, Liverpool reach deal       Maradona faces "last chance" to shake off addiction       Chinese Uber Cup team advances to quarter-finals       Schumacher, Sorenstam and England Rugby Team win Laureus Awards       Henry named FWA player of year