HIBERNIANS FC ENTER NEW ERA AFTER APPROVING SUNDAY VENTURES TAKEOVER
Hibernians FC have officially entered a new chapter in their history after members approved a landmark motion at the club’s Annual General Meeting to transform the Paola-based side into a Sport Limited Liability Company (SLLC) and welcome Sunday Ventures as majority owners.
The decision marks one of the most significant structural changes in Maltese football, with the club confirming a new ownership model designed to strengthen long-term sustainability and international competitiveness.
Under the new structure, Sunday Ventures will become majority shareholders, with the Bezzina family retaining a significant minority stake. The Members’ Foundation will also hold a 10% share, in line with SLLC legislation.
Despite the shift in ownership, continuity remains central to the club’s plans. Ranier Bezzina will continue as Club President, ensuring the Bezzina family’s near 50-year legacy at Hibernians remains firmly embedded in the club’s future direction.
Mike Melby, Chairman of Sunday Ventures, will take on the role of Club Chairman, while Emiliano Salvarezza — formerly General Manager of Italian side Sampdoria — will serve as operating advisor, working closely on a daily basis with the club’s leadership in Paola.
Sunday Ventures described Hibernians as a key part of their multi-club ownership model, highlighting ambitions to build a long-term, sustainable project with a pathway into European competition.
“This is a historic moment not only for our club but also for Maltese football,” said President Ranier Bezzina, noting that Hibernians will become the first Maltese club involved in a multi-club ownership structure. He added that the model will create “a multi-way pathway for talent” with Hibernians playing a central role.
The Bezzina family also expressed gratitude to key figures within Maltese football, including Malta Premier League Chairman Joseph Muscat, MPL CEO Alan Abela, MFA Senior Vice President Matthew Paris, and lawyer Jason Azzopardi, for their support in facilitating the agreement.
Sunday Ventures, an American sports investment group with interests in clubs such as Cesena FC and Brazil’s Avaí FC, are also pursuing further expansion into European football, including a potential stake in a Scandinavian club.
The deal is expected to be formally completed in the coming weeks, with preparations already underway for the upcoming season. Hibernians now move forward with what they describe as “a new era” for the club and Maltese football.
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