Hibernian meet with Scottish FA to discuss Bill Foley investment amongst dual interest concerns

Hibs have announced that they have held talks with the Scottish FA over allowing minority investment and will submit a formal request to have “dual interest” approved by the governing body.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has publicly stated his interest in becoming an investor in the Easter Road club, with the purpose of moving players in and out of Hibs.

The billionaire also owns French side Lorient and has bought the rights to start an A-League franchise club in Australia. He sees benefit in having Hibs as part of a “pyramid” of clubs where developing talent can be placed at the right level before being moved to Bournemouth or sold on.

Scottish FA rules forbid anyone from holding a stake in more than one club unless given permission from the board.

Hibs officials Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell appeared before the board on Thursday to outline the proposed deal and address any questions about potential conflicts of interest.

After discussions described as “positive”, the club will now make a formal application to have the investment approved.

A club statement read: “Hibernian FC can confirm that the club met with the Scottish FA Board on Thursday 14 December, 2023 to discuss a minority investment proposal.

“The positive meeting saw Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell outline the proposal and discuss the benefits for Hibs and Scottish football moving forward.

“The club looks forward to the next stage of the process, which is submitting a formal request for the approval of dual interest dispensation against article 13.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

Article 13 of the Scottish FA’s Articles of Association states that:

Except with the prior written consent of the Board:-
(a) no club or nominee of a club; and
(b) no person, whether absolutely or as a trustee, either alone or in conjunction with one
or more associates or solely through an associate or associates (even where such
person has no formal interest), who:-
(i) is a member of a club; or
(ii) is involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration
of a club; or
(iii) has any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration
of a club,
may at the same time either directly or indirectly:-
(A) be a member of another club; or
(B) be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration
of another club; or
(C) have any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration
of another club.