Back in October, Fenway Sports Group – then New England Sports Ventures (NESV) – bought Liverpool for £300 million against the wishes of Hicks and co-owner George Gillett. Hicks claimed he was the victim of an “epic swindle” and wanted Mr Justice Floyd to lift anti-suit orders that prevented him from pursuing action in the Texas courts to halt the deal.
However, the judge dismissed the application, although he did alter the injunction to allow Hicks to make applications in the US in support of any proceedings in the UK.
“We are delighted that Mr Justice Floyd has granted the applications requested by Sir Martin Broughton, RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) and NESV and that the anti-suit injunction prohibiting the former owners from commencing legal actions against these parties outside the EU has been upheld and clarified,” read a statement from Liverpool.
“Sir Martin, RBS and NESV continue to maintain that there is no basis to challenge the propriety or validity of any actions by them or any of those involved on their behalf in the sale of the club,” the statement added. “They will continue to take all steps necessary to defend vigorously any litigation threatened or commenced by the club's former owners.”
Mr Justice Floyd also dismissed an application to strike out or stay claims by Broughton seeking damages against Hicks for his actions during his time as co-owner.
