Texas billionaire Bill Foley who is bank rolling the new Auckland A League club. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC owner Bill Foley has sold his interest in Scottish football club Hibernian.
The Scottish Premier League side has confirmed that majority shareholder Bydand Sports LLC has completed the acquisition of Black Knight Football Club's shares.
Hibs chairperson Ian Gordon said in a statement: "Over the last few months, we have had detailed conversations with the Black Knight Football Club group regarding Hibernian FC.
"During those discussions it became clear there are philosophical differences in our visions for the club. We mutually agreed this decision was best for both organisations."
Foley, who owns English Premier League side Bournemouth, bought a 25 percent stake in Hibernian in early 2024.
Many Hibs supporters had become concerned that Hibernian FC would become a feeder club for Bournemouth, which Foley bought in 2022.
The 80-year-old billionaire has not attended a Hibs game.
Foley is the chairperson and chief executive of Black Knight Sports and Entertainment group, which also owns the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL club.
In 2023 the Australian Professional Leagues awarded a licence to Foley's group with Auckland FC entering the A-League in 2024.
All Whites keeper Alex Paulsen was signed by Bournemouth from the Wellington Phoenix in June 2024 and then went out on loan to Auckland FC for the 2024-25 A-League season.
