Perth Glory set for English Takeover

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After a few tough seasons financially, Perth Glory and owner Tony Sage have found a potential investor overseas.

The London Football Exchange (LFE), a company that Sage is chairman of, is reportedly going to buy 80% of the Western Australian side, following a near $3 million loss at the end of last season.

Sage broke the news on Perth’s 6PR radio station earlier this week, proclaiming that the A-League is only going to go from strength to strength in the next few years.

“I wanted to retain (a share) because I think the future of Australian football is going to be huge,” Sage said. “We’ll be part of a group that has six or seven clubs in it over the next two years.

“I came across a group in London that have a fantastic vision for football.”

“From about next season, the owners will own the [A-League] and that’s a massive change in itself. The FFA won’t be involved.

“We’re going to be set now with a big partner, so many opportunities will arise from this transaction if it happens.”

Sage went on to add that this may merely be the beginning for the LFE, who have aspirations to own multiple clubs around the world like City Football Group.

As we know, City Football Group own A-League club Melbourne City, MLS club New York City FC and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

But Sage wouldn’t be satisfied just matching it with CFG. He’d want it to grow bigger and better with more clubs across the world.

“[LFE] want to own seven clubs around the world like the City [Football] Group, but instead of the City [Football] Group rebadging Melbourne Heart to Melbourne City and Yokohama City, New York City, they will let each club keep its own identity,” he said.

“There’s an offer in for a French club, an Italian club and an [English Premier League] club at the moment.”

The deal is subject to approval from the FFA.

Under regulation, the FFA can only approve a deal such as this after a review.

Reports are conflicting as to whether the FFA has been kept in the loop or not, leading the FFA to some indecision over the approval of this sale. However, it is highly unlikely that they will reject this sale.

What are your thoughts on the likely sale of one of Australia’s biggest clubs? Are you intrigued by what would happen to the A-League as a result?

Should this deal go ahead as expected, it would likely change the landscape of the soccer industry in Australia as we know it.

Get involved in the discussion on Twitter @Soccersceneau

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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