The Scottish Football Association must still approve Hearts’ investment plans as part of the next steps.
Tony Bloom’s proposed £9.86 million investment in Heart of Midlothian is poised to gain overwhelming approval from the club’s supporters. Members of the Foundation of Hearts have been casting their votes on the proposal, which requires a simple majority of over 50% to pass. Voting closes at 5pm today, with thousands of fans backing the deal.
Edinburgh News understands that support has already far surpassed the required threshold and could reach as high as 90% by the end of the voting period. The Foundation launched a consultation on May 6 after officially revealing Bloom’s offer. Representing over 8,000 fans, the Foundation owns Hearts on their behalf, and many members are enthusiastic about welcoming Bloom to Tynecastle.
Under the terms of the deal, Bloom—a wealthy British businessman and owner of Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion—would acquire a 29% stake in Hearts in exchange for his investment. One of his associates is expected to take a seat on the club’s board, but Bloom himself would not be involved in the club’s day-to-day operations. He would also maintain his existing minority interests in Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium and Melbourne Victory in Australia.
Importantly, the shares issued to Bloom would be new non-voting shares, meaning he would have no say in club decisions. While this would dilute the Foundation’s ownership to 53.6%, it would still retain 75.5% of the voting rights.
Although Bloom won’t take an active management role, Hearts would gain access to his football expertise and extensive global network. The club already works with Jamestown Analytics, a recruitment and data analysis firm that uses technology developed by Starlizard, Bloom’s sports betting company.
Bloom is investing as an individual—there is no formal link with Brighton or his other clubs. The £9.86 million cash injection will bolster Hearts’ transfer budget, with part of it allocated for broader club development.
Once the vote concludes, the next step is for the club to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for shareholder ratification. Approval from the Scottish FA will also be required, and Bloom has already visited Hampden Park to meet senior officials.
Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones recently shared insights from his meetings with Bloom at Starlizard’s offices. “He struck me as very knowledgeable about the club and deeply interested in its direction,” Jones said. “That level of involvement shows his commitment.”
Jones praised the ongoing collaboration with Jamestown Analytics and sees the investment as a major opportunity. “The relationship is very positive, and if the Foundation of Hearts approve the deal, it’s a really exciting time for the club.”
