On November 13th 2025, Scottish Premiership club Hibernian FC confirmed that it is no longer a part of the Black Knight Football Club (BKFC).
Here is today’s official press release with some additional information (and thoughts) in italics.
Majority shareholder Bydand Sports LLC has completed the acquisition of Black Knight Football Club’s shares in Hibernian FC.
Bydand Sports LLC, owned by the Gordon Family, now holds 85% shares in Hibernian FC. Commenting on the share acquisition, Ian Gordon, Hibernian FC’s Chairman said: “We remain fully committed to the success of Hibernian FC. Every decision we make has Hibernian FC at the heart of it.” (Interesting – is this a jab at BKFC saying they didn’t have the club in its true interests? Maybe they felt is was just being used as a feeder club for AFC Bournemouth. From what we understand, BKFC had owned 25% of shares.)
“Over the last few months, we have had detailed conversations (that’s a polite way of saying fights) 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 (See, it sounds like they had some fights about what to do in the club). We mutually agreed this decision was best for both organisations. (They must have got bored of each other and the bickering)
“We would personally like to thank everyone at Black Knight Football Club for amicably (ha ha ha, yeah right!) agreeing to the share acquisition. We wish Black Knight nothing but the best moving forward (now P off).
“The future continues to look bright for Hibernian FC. We are confident in our football, strategic, commercial, and operational teams, and the success they will deliver for years to come.”
Following the completion of the share acquisition, Tim Bezbatchenko (named BKFC’s first President on June 6, 2024) and Ryan Caswell (board member of Black Knight Football Club, AFC Bournemouth, FC Lorient) have stepped down from the Club’s Board of Directors, and Hibernian FC’s Chief Executive Dan Barnett has joined the Board.
Black Knight Football Club President Tim Bezbatchenko added: “Black Knight Football Club and Hibernian FC have amicably agreed to end the strategic partnership between the two organisations. (See, he said it was a strategic partnership, probably more for AFC Bournemouth’s benefit)
“We made progress during our nearly two years working together but ultimately felt this was the right decision for both entities to help reach our respective future goals.
“We wish the Gordon family, the club and Hibernian supporters all the best moving forward.”
End of Press Release.
Black Knight Football Club Teams
So as of November 13, 2025, the Black Knight Football Club is owner or part owner of the following four football clubs:
- Auckland FC (New Zealand)
- AFC Bournemouth (England)
- FC Lorient (France)
- Moreirense FC (Portugal)
HNK Rijeka – Croatia
Black Knight Football Club (BKFC) is said to have acquired a 25% stake in the Croatian club HNK Rijeka (current Croation champions). This allows current owner Damir Mišković to retain majority control while avoiding UEFA conflict of interest rules that might arise if BKFC, who owns AFC Bournemouth, had a controlling interest in two clubs competing in the same European competition.
Foley’s BKFC had been conducting a thorough business analysis of Rijeka for several months prior to the agreement. The move was foreshadowed by the transfer of a player from AFC Bournemouth to HNK Rijeka.
I have not included HNK Rijeka here because it wasn’t on the official BKFC site. They were quick to remove Hibernian but still haven’t added the Croatian club which was supposed to have happened in September.
I have reached out to BKFC for comment.
