The rift between Liverpool's billionaire co-owners widened when George Gillett accused Tom Hicks of causing turmoil at the club.

Gillett (pictured to the right of Hicks) also repeated his stance that he would not sell his 50 percent share of the Premier League club to his American partner after Hicks earlier vowed to buy him out during an interview with Sky Sports.

Hicks branded Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry's tenure a "disaster", repeated his call for him to quit and said the club was lagging behind top European rivals by failing to capitalise on commercial opportunities in Asia.

The feuding owners had already admitted to a breakdown in relations since buying the five-time European champions in February 2007 for £218.9 million.

"I am saddened at this latest outburst from Tom Hicks," Gillett said. "If Tom wanted a serious discussion on the issues to help the club move forward, he should bring his views to the board and not to Sky Sports.

"Here we are, a few days away from a vital Champions League semi-final match and Tom has once again created turmoil with his public comments.

"Tom should stop. He knows that Rick Parry has my support and that airing his comments in this way will not change my position. His failure to discuss this with the board or the management committee is significant."

Hicks also claimed Gillett and Parry were the forces behind last November's negotiations with Juergen Klinsmann about taking over as Liverpool coach, something Gillett disputes.

"I was also taken aback by his version of the events as reported," Gillet added.

"Tom needs to understand I will not sell my shares to him and that we need to find a way forward that is properly funded and truly in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club."

Liverpool host Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi final on Tuesday April 22.

Reda Maher / Reuters