Errol Musk, father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has hinted that his son may be interested in purchasing the iconic Liverpool Football Club. During an interview with UK Times Radio, Errol shared insights about Elon’s potential investment in the Merseyside club, which boasts a rich history and a passionate fan base. When asked directly about Elon’s interest in buying Liverpool FC, Errol responded cautiously, saying, “I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price.” However, he later added, “Oh, yes. But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it. He would like to, yes. Anybody would want to, so would I.” This statement has fueled speculation among fans and analysts alike. Errol Musk also pointed out the family’s connections to Liverpool, noting that Elon’s grandmother was born there and that they have relatives in the area. He even mentioned their ties to The Beatles, who were part of his family’s history. Currently owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool FC is valued at approximately £4.3 billion, making it one of the most valuable football clubs in the world. FSG purchased the club for £300 million back in 2010 and has expressed no intention of selling it outright. Instead, they have been open to external investments to ensure the club’s long-term financial health. In recent months, FSG sold a minority stake to US investment firm Dynasty Equity but reiterated their commitment to maintaining ownership of the club. FSG President Mike Gordon stated, “Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever,” emphasising their focus on finding the right investment partner rather than seeking a full sale. Despite Elon Musk’s immense wealth, estimated at around £340 billion—analysts like Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol caution that any potential purchase would be complicated. He noted that while Musk could likely pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test due to his financial standing, he might face challenges winning over Liverpool’s dedicated fan base. Many supporters hold strong values rooted in social justice and community engagement, which could clash with Musk’s controversial public persona. As rumors swirl around Elon Musk’s interest in Liverpool FC, fans and analysts alike are left wondering what this could mean for the future of one of football’s most storied clubs. For now, FSG remains committed to their ownership while keeping an eye on potential investment opportunities that align with their vision for Liverpool’s growth.
Africa faces $1.5 billion loss due to internet shutdowns in 2024
A recent report by Top10VPN has highlighted that sub-Saharan Africa lost a staggering $1.5 billion in 2024 due to Internet shutdowns. This figure represents 19% of the total global losses from such disruptions, which amounted to $7.69 billion. Throughout the year, there were 28 Internet shutdowns across 28 countries, with 13 of these occurring in Africa. The nations affected included Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal, Mozambique, Chad, Mauritius, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea. Sudan was hit the hardest, losing an estimated $1.12 billion as a result of prolonged Internet disruptions that lasted for more than 12,707 hours, or over 529 days. These shutdowns are largely attributed to ongoing conflicts within the country, which have resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths and displaced more than 10 million people. Other African nations also faced significant losses due to civil unrest. In Kenya and Ethiopia, Internet access was curtailed in response to protests against government policies. Kenya lost about $75 million, while Ethiopia’s losses reached $211 million. In Kenya, protests erupted over a controversial Finance Bill proposing higher taxes amid rising economic hardships. The demonstrations began in June 2024 and were primarily led by young people utilizing social media to organize their efforts. The situation escalated dramatically on June 25 when thousands stormed the Kenyan Parliament, resulting in injuries and over 20 fatalities.