Just over two years ago, Foley made his intentions clear to buy into Scotland, as he looked to make Hibs the undisputed third force in Scotland. He said: “I’m fascinated by the Scottish Premier League (sic). They play hard, Scots are tough. They play a tough brand of football. And I believe there are opportunities to make one of the No. 4, 5 or 6 SPL teams to get them to No.3 and they play in Europe. I believe we can pull that off with not a gigantic investment – and be a minority investor, be supportive of that club."placeholder image
Just over two years ago, Foley made his intentions clear to buy into Scotland, as he looked to make Hibs the undisputed third force in Scotland. He said: “I’m fascinated by the Scottish Premier League (sic). They play hard, Scots are tough. They play a tough brand of football. And I believe there are opportunities to make one of the No. 4, 5 or 6 SPL teams to get them to No.3 and they play in Europe. I believe we can pull that off with not a gigantic investment – and be a minority investor, be supportive of that club." | Getty Images

Bill Foley and 22 key Hibs moments that have paved path to stake sale talks as new disagreement sparks endgame

By Ben Banks

Sports editor and journalist

Published 12th Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
Updated 12th Nov 2025, 12:28 GMT

Bill Foley is looking to sell his minority shareholding at Hibs after less than two years.

It started with a big money investment - but Bournemouth owner Bill Foley looks set to look elsewhere after a new disagreement with Hibs.

The American buisnessman invested into the Premiership side in February 2024 through his Black Knight Football Club, and took exception to the hire of David Gray as head coach and Malky Mackay as sporting director that summer. It looked like water under the bridge though as a third place finish was clinched last term, and Garvan Stewart arrived as head of recruitment following a lengthy Bournemouth stint, but new division has emerged.

Foley is looking for Hibs to take more of a feeder club form for Bournemouth and that is a no-go for chairman Ian Gordon, who will not risk any chance of the Easter Road side being diminished by Black Knight’s vision. It’s been a topsy turvy ride with several major moments, but here are 22 moments that paved the path from initial interest to selling up for Foley at Hibs.

Black Knight's Tim Bezbatchenko insists Hibs will not fall into a feeder model with added American influence. He said: “We don't look at the clubs as feeder clubs. I think within the multi-club ownership groups, there are different groups that do consider their clubs feeder clubs. It doesn't mean that we're not looking for the players to move up the pyramid. And I think Bill has been clear about that. But we have to respect their own identity and what they're trying to achieve. And that's really important, especially right now at a club like Lorient where they're trying to get promoted."

17. Feeder club rejection (27/03/25)

Black Knight's Tim Bezbatchenko insists Hibs will not fall into a feeder model with added American influence. He said: “We don't look at the clubs as feeder clubs. I think within the multi-club ownership groups, there are different groups that do consider their clubs feeder clubs. It doesn't mean that we're not looking for the players to move up the pyramid. And I think Bill has been clear about that. But we have to respect their own identity and what they're trying to achieve. And that's really important, especially right now at a club like Lorient where they're trying to get promoted." | SNS Group

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Bezbatchenko assumes position to take Foley’s seat as executive director, which is one of the two seats occupied by Black Knight Football. Caswell continued in his role as a non executive director.

18. Boardroom changes (23/05/25)

Bezbatchenko assumes position to take Foley’s seat as executive director, which is one of the two seats occupied by Black Knight Football. Caswell continued in his role as a non executive director. | SNS Group

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After 49ers Enterprises came from the States to take charge at Rangers, the Black Knight kingpin made a Hibs admission. Foley admitted: "I was only allowed to buy 30 per cent of Hibs but if larger ownership percentages are allowed, you'll see many more Americans investing in Scottish football. I have no doubt about that. Every team is just as important as the next team. But we need to have ways of avoiding the heavy transfer payments that you have in football and at least if you have transfer payments, we're paying ourselves instead of paying a third party."

19. 49ers response (13/06/25)

After 49ers Enterprises came from the States to take charge at Rangers, the Black Knight kingpin made a Hibs admission. Foley admitted: "I was only allowed to buy 30 per cent of Hibs but if larger ownership percentages are allowed, you'll see many more Americans investing in Scottish football. I have no doubt about that. Every team is just as important as the next team. But we need to have ways of avoiding the heavy transfer payments that you have in football and at least if you have transfer payments, we're paying ourselves instead of paying a third party." | SNS Group

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To show renewed strength in the partnership, Hibs visited Foley's crown jewel in Bournemouth, for a friendly.

20. Cherries visit (15/07/25)

To show renewed strength in the partnership, Hibs visited Foley's crown jewel in Bournemouth, for a friendly. | Getty Images

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